Special Guests

COLERAINE FC is pleased to announce that two special guests will be at The Showgrounds this evening…

Marty Tabb and Ronnie McDowell will return to the Ballycastle Road for the game against Glentoran.

The two gentlemen are guests of Honorary Vice President, Frankie Moffatt, who gave a glowing reference for his colleagues.

RONNIE MCDOWELL

Ronnie McDowell made 363 appearances for the club between 1978 and 1989. He was one of a number of players to come through the youth set up at the club run at that time by Johnnie Magee.

He quickly established himself as a regular in the first team and is in my opinion only second to Johnnie McCurdy in the best full backs that I have seen wearing our colours.

Ronnie was lightly built but ferocious in the tackle and loved to get forward at every opportunity. Ronnie was so well thought of that he was the number one choice for the right back position in the Irish League select teams throughout the 80’s.

A true legend of this club and a great lad also.

MARTY TABB

The second is Marty Tabb who played 347 times for the club between 1983 and 1991 winning a couple of Ulster Cups medals along with three league runner-up medals.

Not bad for someone who modestly describes himself as just a player from the Dunmurry League! Marty was signed by club legend Tony Curley and quickly became a fans’ favourite.

He was a tremendous competitor and a very deep thinker about the game. Generally quiet off the pitch but very articulate and emerged as a great leader of those fantastic teams under Jim Platt in the 80’s.

Marty was a great team player and was respected by not only his teammates but also everyone he played against. No quarter given and hard but fair. Also good in possession but knew when to clear his lines when necessary. Again a true legend of this club and in my opinion one of our unsung heroes, as well as helping Cliftonville lift their first league title.