Hall of Fame: Ciaran McCurry

Continuing a weekly series saluting some of the most celebrated names in Cliftonville history, cliftonvillefc.net today delves into the Club’s Hall of Fame to salute midfielder Ciaran McCurry.

Inducted to the John McCredy McAlery Hall of Fame in May 2019, McCurry scored 33 goals in 264 appearances over eight seasons at Solitude.

Hailed for his “style and grace” by contemporary observers, Ciaran had been poised for a move to Luton City during the 1978/79 season but the deal would fall through and the Hatters’ loss certainly proved to be Cliftonville’s gain thanks to a series of exemplary performances in the middle of the park.

In that celebrated campaign – when, of course, Cliftonville lifted the Irish Cup and County Antrim Shield – McCurry turned out in 33 of the team’s 47 fixtures across all competitions, with his only goal of the term coming when he hit the winner in a 2-1 defeat of Ards on March 24, just days after the Reds had booked their place in the Irish Cup Final.

Part of the first Cliftonville line-up to play in Europe when French giants FC Nantes Atlantique visited for a Cup Winners’ Cup clash a few months after that famous Irish Cup victory over Portadown, only three of the famous 79ers made more overall appearances than Ciaran, whose contribution is fondly recalled by the Red Army and is reflected in his status as a respected Hall of Famer.