A Champion event

Compere Gerry Kelly called it a “great night befitting a great Club” and all associated with Cliftonville FC were delighted to this weekend turn the clock back to celebrate the legendary achievements of our 1998 and 2013 title-winning sides.

Marty Quinn and his heroes from 25 years ago were lauded by the Red Army at the Hilton Hotel on Saturday evening, when the stars of Tommy Breslin’s team were likewise hailed for their Gibson Cup triumph of a decade ago on an occasion that saw the class of 2023 rewarded for their efforts in the campaign just past.

Though the Cliftonville FC Awards is always an event to remember, this year’s gathering carried some extra stardust as the Reds’ Champions of yesteryear renewed acquaintances with fans and former team-mates alike.

Mickey Donnelly, the captain who raised the trophy on high after that infamous hour-long wait on the penultimate day of the 1997/98 season, joined 2013 title-clinching skipper George McMullan in recalling their respective achievements at the beginning of a night that concluded with supporters of varying vintages reminiscing about those never-to-be-forgotten days in the company of the very people who made their dreams come true.

Cliftonville Football Club places on record our thanks to everyone – particularly Kevin Crossan – for their assistance in organising the event, with further gratitude extended to compere extraordinaire Gerry Kelly and the Hilton Hotel staff for their professionalism and dilgence throughout the evening.