Condolences

Cliftonville Football Club are saddened to learn of the death of our former goalkeeper Harry McKibbin.

Handed his debut in an Irish League game against Derry City at Solitude in September 1967, Harry made a total of 241 appearances for the Reds before his final outing against Glentoran at The Oval in March 1976.

The Annalong man was just 19 years old when Cliftonville Manager Jackie Cummings signed him from Kilkeel and, bizarrely, at one stage he found himself in competition with younger brother Irwyn, a keeper who played 32 times for the Club during the 1969/70 season.

An amateur international, Harry suffered personal tragedy when his father passed away while attending a North Belfast Derby with Crusaders at Seaview in 1975, with the support he and his family received during that difficult period further adding to the sense of belonging and kinsmanship he experienced at the Reds, with many of our older fans still retaining great affection for his talents during a nine-year stay.

Harry passed away in hospital yesterday and will depart his Annalong home at 1.30pm tomorrow ahead of his funeral service in Kilhorne Parish Church at 2pm.

All at Cliftonville extend deepest condolences to the McKibbin family, as well as Harry’s many friend and colleagues from a celebrated football career. May he rest in peace.

Goalkeepers with most Cliftonville appearances
Alfie Gardiner: 304 (1925-1936)
John Connolly: 259 (2006-2012)
Bobby Carlisle: 255 (1981-1988)
Brian Johnston: 251 (1974-1982)
Harry McKibbin: 241 (1967-1976)