It was an eventful week that ended in a flourish for Cliftonville, who continue to put their title credentials on show despite the seemingly incessant rumours linking their stars with moves away in January and the summer.
The drawn-out saga over one such, Chris Gallagher, finally met an end when the midfielder’s exit to Larne was confirmed and what proved a sour break-up was sealed in the winter rather than June.
Cliftonville’s box-to-box No.6 swapped one shade for another following allegations among supporters that he feigned an injury before the Reds’ 3-0 after-extra-time success over Coleraine in the Irish Cup Fifth Round – west Belfast man Gallagher insisted it was a genuine knock that means he won’t be cup-tied in the competition as an Inver Red – and rumours that a bid had been made while the squad were en route to The Showgrounds. It was messy all told, and Ireland’s oldest football club and all that follow them are glad it’s over with.
With that in mind, the Solitude faithful also would have welcomed another maestro in the centre of the park shining at the weekend – although not one who is often thrust into the limelight.
After sharp-shooter Ronan Hale – himself linked with a departure as a host of clubs in the EFL cast their eyes – bagged a brace that set Cliftonville on their way against relegation-battling Ballymena United in north Belfast, his namesake Ronan Doherty applied the finishing touch of a 3-0 success.
And what a beauty it was. Doherty, a member of the Reds’ panel since 2019, shaped a divine curling shot on his left foot and had Sky Blues stopper Sean O’Neill rooted while he picked out the top left corner.
The result saw the third-placed battlers climb to 57 points after a 10th consecutive match unbeaten, winning each of their last five to sit eight points off pacesetters Linfield with a game fewer played.
Donegal ace Doherty, who was recruited from Institute by Paddy McLaughlin, has been a consistent feature throughout his time in the famous red shirt, but he’s been hitting new heights with Jim Magilton in charge.
That was the 28-year-old’s second goal of the Sports Direct Premiership campaign, but a career-high 10 assists testifies that he is contributing in more ways than one.
Although a different type of midfielder to Gallagher (24), who first became his team-mate after joining from Glentoran in the summer of 2021, Doherty’s craft is a signature trait but there is now a sense that he can step out of a shadow.
The potential dilemma that could’ve arose after Larne’s interest in Gallagher was first reported has been settled, and Magilton’s job now is to fill his void. Fortunately, Cliftonville have quality options, and unsung Doherty can take further leaps in the wake of his former comrade’s departure.
He’s not the only one who can do so, either. Odhran Casey’s sustained positive development in 2023/24 having been deployed both at centre-back and in his preferred midfield spot has fuelled excitement, while forward-thinking powerhouse Rory Hale’s deal extension until 2027 that he penned in October means Cliftonville have the services of one of the Premiership’s most industrious attacking midfielders assured for the mid-to-long term.
Ben Wylie has been added in January to bolster the pack after a spell with Swedish fourth-tier side Ytterhogdals IK, while the rise of teenager Shea Kearney – deployed at right-back when fielded at senior level but with midfield experience in the youth rungs – is one worth following as well.
And that’s not even mentioning Shea Gordon; the Fermanagh man debuted in that Ballymena clash after he joined from Larne while Gallagher headed the other way.
It’s hard to escape the notion, though, that Doherty will be an indispensable lynchpin who will have players built around him than be built around others.
Featured image from Cliftonville FC Media.
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