Out to lunch

Cliftonville Football Club places on record our thanks to everyone who contributed to yesterday’s Matchday Lunch being such a success.

Staged at Cliftonville Bowling Club prior to the Reds’ Danske Bank Premiership victory over Portadown, the occasion saw supporters ring in the festive season with a two-course Christmas meal alongside some famous faces from yesteryear as well as our special guest, David Jeffrey.

Alongside his reminisces about various battles with the Reds from his days as both a player and Manager at Linfield, the current Ballymena United boss also reflected on historic transfer dealings with Cliftonville, an impromptu visit to a west Belfast social club and working alongside four Reds players as Martin O’Neill’s assistant when an Irish League XI faced Manchester United at Windsor Park in Harry Gregg’s Testimonial a decade ago – not to mention treating all ticket holders at the sold-out gathering to a recreation of an infamous ski-wear modelling video.

Our congratulations, meanwhile, go to Supporters Liaison Officer Michael Hegney for his typically rigorous organisation and stewardship of the event, with our appreciation likewise extended to staff at the Bowling Club for their professional assistance throughout and, indeed, West Gourmet for their provision of meals that were highly commended by all in attendance.