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Wales (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Wales => Denbighshire => Topic started by: zetlander on Wednesday 24 April 19 10:58 BST (UK)
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In 1921 there was a football match between Ruthin and Barnsley F C in Ruthin.
What was the significance of this match?
Who arranged it and why was it held?
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Have you searched for a match report in local newspapers, Ruthin and Barnsley?
My guess is F.A. cup tie or a match in another cup competition.
Other suggestions:
a charity match; many women's matches were for charities.
a testimonial match for a footballer who had played for both clubs and who was retiring or was ill or permanently injured or who had died and his family was in need of financial help.
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Denbighshire Archives have a photo of the Barnsley team:
http://archives.denbighshire.gov.uk/collections/getrecord/GB209_PPD-90_422
Probably best to seek more information from them?
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It was a charity match arranged by D. J. Williams of Rhydybill (Ruthin) and Barnsley, and the Vice Chairman of Barnsley FC - W. B. Gittus. The game was reported in the press as being arranged in aid of local charities but was almost certainly also arranged to raise funds to erect a memorial for Arthur Owen Vaughan (The Owen Rhoscomyl Memorial). https://archives.library.wales/downloads/arthur-owen-vaughan-owen-rhoscomyl-papers-2.pdf
Later that year, Barnsley FC Director- Lieutenant Colonel Charles Fox, also visited D. J. Williams in Ruthin.
D. J. Williams owned properties and businesses in both Ruthin and Barnsley.
The Ruthin team included guest appearances from the Welsh internationals Billy Meredith and Lloyd Davies
Barnsley won the game 5-2 with goals for Barsnley from Newton, Halliwell (2) and Fletcher (2) while Meredith scored 2 for Ruthin.
Both Mayors from Ruthin and Barnsley attended the reception, which was held at The Wynnstay Hotel in Ruthin. The Barnsley team and club officials stayed at the hotel until Monday morning.
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thanks for the replies - informative.