Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FULL OF CHARACTER AND BLESSED WITH TALENT
Leg break robbed Paul of his chance across the water, but it didn’t stop him from being a great servant to the local game
FOOTBALLING friends and foes of Paul Straney have been recalling his colourful career after the former Cliftonville keeper passed away suddenly last week.
The funeral for the tragic 42-yearold took place in Downpatrick yesterday, with many household names from the Irish League among the mourners, while a minute’s applause was held before Cliftonville’s Danske Bank Premiership match against Glentoran at the weekend, with players also wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.
In the immediate aftermath of his death, social media was flooded with tributes and anecdotes from players, managers and supporters who recalled his talent, his passion for the game and his penchant for a wind-up.
Liam Beckett, who managed Straney at Cliftonville, said: “Shocking news at the passing of my former Cliftonville goalie Paul Straney.
“A great goalie and a top lad, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this desperately sad time, RIP Stran.”
Ciaran Donaghy, who played in front of Straney in the Reds defence, warmly remembered an enforced cameo he had in goals courtesy of Straney’s renowned temper.
“Paul Straney was the confident, competent, eccentric goalkeeper that you wanted on your side. Partial to the odd red card as he was fired up for every game, I have him to thank for saying that I have done nets in the Irish League! A real character who will be sorely missed.”
Former Reds midfielder and manager Gerard Lyttle added: “Shocked and saddened to hear the awful news of ex team-mate and goalkeeper coach Paul Straney’s passing. Great guy and a great character who always wore his heart on his sleeve! Big loss to the Cliftonville family.”
Another former Reds team-mate, Declan O’hara, posted: “Can’t believe the news about Paul Straney. Was an honour to have him as a team-mate and a friend.” Andy Hunter, who played against Straney for Linfield, recalled his fondness for goading opposing fans.
“Always remember having a chuckle at him cleaning the bottom of his boots on the Ulster flag at the Linfield end before taking a goal-kick. And the face paint! RIP Paul Straney. Condolences to his family.”
Meanwhile, Michael Dougherty, a contemporary of Straney’s and a fellow goalkeeper, acclaimed his ability between the sticks.
“Paul Straney, a man who typified what top level Irish League goalkeep-
ing was all about,” he wrote. “A gentleman off the pitch and an absolute lion on it.
“Very fortunate to have shared a pitch and even more so to have been in his company off it.”
Kilmore Rec, where Straney was coaching up until his untimely death, paid this tribute.
“Absolutely devastating news of the passing of first team assistant Paul Straney.
“A legend of the local game, a winner and a true gent.
“Paul brought passion, enthusiasm and a wealth of experience to Kilmore and he will be very sadly missed by all.”
For all his on-field antics, Straney was a hugely accomplished goalkeeper.
He spent seven seasons at Solitude, earning the right to be remembered as a Reds legend, while he also enjoyed spells at Newry and Glenavon.
He was highly-rated as a youngster too and, but for a bad leg break on the eve of a switch to Aston Villa, might have carved a career for himself in the professional ranks across the water. Speaking to Match On Tuesday a few years ago about fate’s intervention, the always opinionated and forthright Straney typically pulled no punches.
“I don’t have regrets, they were the cards that were dealt for me,” he said.
“You can have a lot of regrets but there’s no point looking back, it’s better to look forward, that’s the way I see it.”
After his time at Cliftonville drew to a close, Straney moved to his hometown club Downpatrick, captaining them to the Premier Division title in 2008 as well as jointly managing them with his brother Davy.