Northern Ireland

Cliftonville legend Paul Straney laid to rest

Family and friends at the funeral of former Cliftonville goalkeeper Paul Straney in Downpatrick. Picture by Ann McManus
Family and friends at the funeral of former Cliftonville goalkeeper Paul Straney in Downpatrick. Picture by Ann McManus
By Allison Morris

FORMER Cliftonville goalkeeper Paul Straney was laid to rest yesterday following his death aged 42.

Requiem Mass for Mr Straney, who made 179 appearances for the north Belfast club and also played Gaelic football for Down minors and was a coach in both codes, was celebrated at St Patrick's Church in Downpatrick.

Linfield manager David Healy, Cliftonville chairman Gerard Lawlor and former Cliftonville manager Tommy Breslin were among the mourners.

FIFA vice president Jim Boyce was also at the funeral.

A hugely popular figure during his playing days, Mr Straney had returned to Solitude as a goalkeeping coach during Mr Breslin's tenure as manager.

A minute's applause was held in his honour ahead of Saturday's Premiership fixture with Glentoran and Cliftonville players also wore black armbands.

Mr Straney, who died in his sleep on Friday, is survived by his partner Grainne, brother David and sisters Tracey, Nuala and Aimee.

In a tribute in The Irish News, Grainne said: "Loving you was easy, my loving, gentle and funny fiancé, living without you will be heartbreaking".

Linfield manager David Healy , at the funeral of former Cliftonville player Paul Straney in Downpatrick yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
Linfield manager David Healy , at the funeral of former Cliftonville player Paul Straney in Downpatrick yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
The funeral of former Cliftonville player Paul Straney in Downpatrick yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
The funeral of former Cliftonville player Paul Straney in Downpatrick yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
Mourners including Cliftonville Chairman Gerard Lawlor, Linfield manager David Healy , former Cliftonville manager Tommy Breslin, former cliftonville player Ronan Scannell, and Cliftonville player Conor Devlin, at the funeral of former Cliftonville player Paul Straney in Downpatrick yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
Mourners including Cliftonville Chairman Gerard Lawlor, Linfield manager David Healy , former Cliftonville manager Tommy Breslin, former cliftonville player Ronan Scannell, and Cliftonville player Conor Devlin, at the funeral of former Cliftonville player Paul Straney in Downpatrick yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
Family and friends at the funeral of former Cliftonville player Paul Straney in Downpatrick yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.
Family and friends at the funeral of former Cliftonville player Paul Straney in Downpatrick yesterday. Picture by Ann McManus.