Women’s Premiership: ‘Invincible’ Cliftonville’s ‘perfect’ 2024
Despite having a perfect record heading into the penultimate game of the season, Cliftonville was still without a championship.
That’s because their next and closest rivals Glentoran have won 13 of their 14 games, with their only defeat coming against the Reds earlier in the season.
It was a winner-take-all game, an “all or nothing” affair as Callahan described it, and the Reds duly rose to their feet to post a dominant 6-0 victory over Lonely City , showing their strength.
“We tied with them twice in the league last year and we learned from our mistakes and everyone had a slugger,” she said with a smile.
“We had everything ready to go that night, everyone was ready, and ultimately, we turned it on at the end of the season when other teams were getting tired.”
While the championship is secured, the “invincible” record is still up for grabs, and Callahan said Cliftonville is eager to finish a memorable season on a high note.
They secured a narrow 1-0 win over north Belfast rivals Crusaders.
“In 2022, our last game of the season, we had won the league and we were in party mode because it was the first title and Glentoran beat us in the last game.
“I was so angry after that, so we were determined not to lose the last game of the year.”
They ended a fantastic season with a superb attacking display with a 5-0 victory over Lisburn Rovers in the Irish Cup, their first victory in the competition in nine years.
“We just want to enjoy it, it’s been a while since we won the Irish Cup final and the girls were very relaxed before and it showed.
“We couldn’t have had a more perfect season – unless we won four trophies!” joked Callaghan.
We all know what’s on Cliftonville’s 2025 bucket list, but for now, they can look back with contentment on an amazing 2024.
