Downpatrick FC and Cliftonville FC Legends Remember The Late Paul Straney, Goalkeeper, In A Friendly Match
Still held in high esteem by his fellow club members, Paul Straney was remembered on Saturday afternoon at a memorial match at Downpatrick FC when his family, fiancee, friends, fellow players and people through the community gathered for a friendly match against some of the Cliftonville FC Legends at St Dillon’s Pitch in Downpatrick.
Although Cliftonville FC won 1-3, the score was irrelvant. Paul had played in his time for both Downpatrick FC and Ciftonville as goalkeeper and was also held in high regard by his team-mates.
Downpatrick’s Kevin ‘Shorty’ Trueman who played in the match an Saturday addressed all of the supporters and players at the end of the match and thanked the huge crowd for supporting the event.
He said: “We tried to put on this memorial match for Stranzo but year on year time slipped by. Eventually we got the ball rolling this year and it all came together.
“Stranzo played a massive part in helping us get to several cups and we got into the last 16 teams in the league. The people who turned out today remember. He passed away 10 years ago and is a testament to his great popularity in the club and the wider community.
“So thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen today. The players, the referee Martin Hannity, the Cliftonville players – Stranzo was a Cliftonville die-hard. And thanks to the committe and the club for helping make this match and fun day happen.
“It was a special charity match in support of Friends of the Cancer Centre.
“And thanks too to his fiancée Gránnia for coming along today.
“Therefore, I’d just like to thank everyone who made this event such a success.”
Down News Facebook Photos of Paul Straney’s Memorial Match
Cliftonville Legend George McMullan, who made the trip with the other Legends down to Downpatrick to honour Paul, thanked Shorty and all his helpers for putting the memorial match together.
He said: “Thank you to everyone who helped remember Paul Straney. I played with him in 2003. I remember him saving a penalty in a cup match. Paul was special.
“So why don’t we even make this match an annual event and next year bring it to Solitude in Belfast and raise an even bigger crowd to support the cancer charity ? There could be hundreds at this match.”
The funds raised on the day will go to Friends of the Cancer Centre, which is a charity that provides invaluable support to cancer patients and their families.
Shorty added: “Football has a wonderful way of bringing people together, and today was a perfect example of that. It was a fitting tribute to Paul and a reminder of the strength and kindness of our football community.
“From everyone at Downpatrick FC, thank you for your incredible support.”
