Write side of history

Congratulations to Marissa Callaghan, who will make history when she is inducted into the NI Football Writers’ Hall of Fame during Sunday’s awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

The first ever female player to receive the prestigious honour, Callaghan brought the curtain down on a stellar career when she retired at the end of last season, having helped Cliftonville Ladies to an Irish Cup and League Cup double.

Capped 91 times by Northern Ireland, whom she captained at Euro 2022, Marissa was a double Premiership Champion with the Reds and, on her forthcoming induction to the Juice Jar Dr Malcolm Brodie Hall of Fame, commented: “It’s an honour to join the NIFWA Hall of Fame alongside so many famous names from the world of football.

“The award is not just a reflection of my efforts, but the support and help of all my team-mates and coaches over the years.”