A legendary farewell

As we count down to tomorrow’s friendly with Southport, cliftonvillefc.net takes a further opportunity to pay tribute to Chris Curran, who will officially bring the curtain down on 11 years of service after the game.

The 33-year-old, who hung up his boots in the aftermath of captaining Cliftonville to an historic Clearer Water Irish Cup Final victory over Linfield in May, will turn out for one last time as team-mates, staff and supporters alike are afforded an opportunity to bid a fond farewell to a modern day Solitude legend.

Chris celebrated Premiership title success in his first season with Cliftonville...

... and lifted the Irish Cup on his last appearance

NIFL Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor inducted Chris to the Club's Hall of Fame

The skipper takes receipt of the final matchworn shirt he ever sported at Solitude

Inducted to the John McCredy McAlery Hall of Fame at last season’s Cliftonville FC Awards, Curran joined Cliftonville from Ballinamallard United in the summer of 2013 and played an integral role in Tommy Breslin’s side retaining the Premiership title a year later.

With four League Cup crowns, two County Antrim Shields and that long-awaited Irish Cup triumph also under his belt, the Cavan man – who also starred in the Mallards’ Championship-winning heroics of 2012 – bows out with a clean sweep of senior domestic honours to his name following a decade that saw him score 38 goals and provide 61 assists in 440 appearances for Ireland’s Oldest Football Club.

Speaking to the Club’s YouTube channel, Chris – preparing for new life with wife Caragh following their wedding this summer – reflected on his early days in the game, the impression that Cliftonville made on him as an opposition player and why celebrations in Windsor Park’s North Stand will always hold a special place in his heart.

Cliftonville v Southport
Saturday, July 27 (3pm)
Adults: £9
Concessons: £4
Advance tickets: Here