By Jonathan Brown
ANNALONG FC, Ballyvea FC and the broader football community are mourning the loss of Harry McKibbin, who passed away in hospital on Saturday.
Born in Annalong in 1948, the former goalkeeper started his footballing journey with Moneydarragh at the age of 15, before joining Kilkeel Rangers, playing a big part in the club’s famous run to the 1966 IFA Junior Cup final.
Harry’s performances for Kilkeel soon caught the attention of Irish League giants Cliftonville, with manager Jackie Cummings signing him in 1967 at just 19 years of age.
Playing alongside current Newcastle League President John Peacock, the Annalong stopper went on to become a fan favourite at Solitude.
His younger brother Irwyn, who was also a talented goalkeeper, competed with Harry for the number one jersey during a brief stint with Cliftonville, before Irwyn moved on to Derry City.
Harry spent nine years with Cliftonville, making over 241 appearances before his departure in 1976.
During his time in north Belfast, the accomplished netminder won an amateur international cap for Northern Ireland alongside close friend and brother-in-law John. He was named Player of the Year in 1974 and is fifth on the all-time list of goalkeepers with the most appearances for the club.
After featuring in his final game for the Reds against Glentoran in March 1976, Harry returned home to play for Annalong. He was joined by John and they both formed part of a hugely successful team that achieved four successive promotions from 2C to the top division in the Amateur League.
The former Moneydarragh man also managed the Hillmount Park outfit before moving to Ballyvea, where he became a club legend.
Read the full outline of Harry’s career and the tributes that were made.
