Cliftonville to pay tribute to ex-goalkeeper Straney after death at 42
CLIFTONVILLE FC will today pay tribute to a former player who has died at the age of 42.
Paul Straney made 179 appearances in goals for the Reds.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
A special tribute has been planned by the north Belfast club before this afternoon’s league match with Glentoran.
A minute’s applause will be held ahead of kick-off, while the players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.
A further tribute will be paid at the club’s Christmas carol service after the game.
Cliftonville chairman Gerard Lawlor said: “The whole club is in shock at the news.
“Not only have we lost a former player and coach, but also a true friend, a Red and one of our own.
“Paul served the club with distinction and pride.
“Not only was he a top goalkeeper, he was also a true character and great human being as well.
“On behalf of everyone at Solitude, I offer deepest sympathies to his family at this sad time.”
Straney played for the Solitude outfit between 2001 and 2007.
During his time he helped the club to a League Cup triumph in 2003.
He later returned as a goalkeeping coach.
He also had spells with Glenavon, Newry City, Glentoran and Telford United.
Straney was assistant manager of Amateur League team Kilmore Rec.
It described him as “a legend of the local game”.
Kilmore chairman Sean McCarthy said: “The football club has lost a remarkable person. Paul arrived at Kilmore during the summer — his passion for coaching was remarkable, truly professional in his approach and an absolute gent.
“He’s a massive loss for this club but it won’t come close to the loss his family and friends are feeling today. I would like to pass my heartfelt sympathies to his brother David and his extended family at this very difficult time.”
Tributes also flooded in from Irish League players past and present.
Former team-mate Declan O’Hara said: “Can’t believe the news about Paul Straney. It was a honour to have him as a teammate and a friend.”
Carrick Rangers manager David McAlinden, a former Cliftonville player, said it was “terribly sad news”.
“He was an absolute character of the game here and always a gentleman to me,” he said.
Ex-Cliftonville boss Gerard Lyttle wrote on Twitter: “Shocked and saddened to hear the awful news of ex-team mate and goalkeeping coach Paul Straney’s passing.”
And former Linfield and Dungannon player Darren Murphy said: “He was a winner on the pitch who brought passion and enthusiasm for the game, and a top guy off it.”