Man and Boy

Jim Boyce’s incredible 75-year association with Cliftonville FC is to be celebrated at a special gala reception on Sunday evening.

The sold-out black tie event at Belfast’s Stormont Hotel will feature a four-course meal, cabaret entertainment and appearances from a host of guest stars, with all proceeds donated to the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia NI.

Formerly a ball boy at Solitude, Jim rose through the ranks to become Chairman of the Club – the highlight of which was undoubtedly the Reds’ against-all-odds Premier League title triumph in 1998 – and also served as President of the Irish Football Association as well as being elected as Vice-President of FIFA, with neither role tempting him into the comfy seats away from his traditional vantage point on the perimeter wall near the home dugout.

A director and then Vice Chairman at Cliftonville from 1977 to 1988 before undertaking a decade as Chairman thereafter, Jim is also our former President and currently represents the Reds in his official capacity of Club Patron.

Marty Quinn, Manager of that title-winning side from the 90s, will be among the guests at Sunday’s big bash, where a wide range of Cliftonville stars from past and present – including former boss Frankie Parkes, current chief Jim Magilton and a number of iconic players – will be there to pay their tributes to one of the most recognised and respected figures in football.

Ex-Northern Ireland Managers Bryan Hamilton, Sammy McIlroy and Lawrie Sanchez will also be in attendance, with renowned opera singer Carly Paoli making the trip to Belfast to be part of what promises to be a hugely memorable evening.

A ‘This Is Your Life’ segment hosted by Radio Ulster’s Joel Taggart will focus heavily on Jim’s love of the Reds and reflect on his three-quarters-of-a-century association with the Club, with all at Solitude naturally hoping that Boycie enjoys every second of his big night.