He who Dars

Reverend Dario Leal is the latest recipient of the Freddie Jardine Special Merit Award.

Presented at the Cliftonville FC Awards on Saturday night, the accolade – which is named in honour of our much-missed former player, coach, physiotherapist and President – was introduced back in 2018 to highlight individual contributions to Ireland’s Oldest Football Club and acknowledges the unrelenting dedication of volunteers to whose services we are indebted.

Reverend Leal, who is both the Club’s Senior Chaplain and Minster at the 1st Ballynahinch Presbyterian Church, has been a familiar face at Solitude for many years, overseeing the chaplaincy staff who are available to players, staff, supporters and indeed anyone connected with the Club is in need of pastoral or spiritual care and counsel.

All at Cliftonville were, of course, devastated by the tragic loss of Michael Newberry midway through the season just past, with the chaplaincy team providing vital guidance and support during what was a challenging period for all personnel at the Club, particularly players processing the death of a team-mate.

Reverend Leal, along with First Team Chaplain David Burke, performed a distinguished role during that time, which only served to underline how worthy a recipient he is of the 2025 Special Merit Award.