Northern Ireland legends Marissa Callaghan and Gareth McAuley will be inducted into the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association Hall of Fame.
Callaghan and McAuley will join a host of established names in the Hall of Fame such as George Best, Harry Gregg, David Healy and Steven Davis.
Former Northern Ireland midfielder Callaghan captained Northern Ireland at the Euro 2022 finals – a first major tournament for the women’s side.
The midfielder retired from football this year after a career that saw her earn 91 international and win two Women’s Premiership titles with Cliftonville, in 2022 and an invincible year in 2024.
“It’s an honour to join the NIFWA Hall of Fame alongside so many famous names from the world of football,” said Callaghan, who will be the first women’s player to receive the honour at Sunday’s annual awards.
“The award is not just a reflection of my efforts, but the support and help of all my team-mates and coaches over the years.”
The former Cliftonville midfielder is joined in the Hall of Fame by McAuley, who won 80 caps for Northern Ireland between 2005 and 2018.
McAuley scored one of the most famous goals in the history of Northern Ireland football in the historic Euro 2016 win over Ukraine in Lyon.
At club level, McAuley made his name in the Irish League with Crusaders and Coleraine before turning out for Lincoln City, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, West Bromwich Albion and Rangers.
“It’s very pleasing and an honour to be inducted into the Football Writers’ Hall of Fame,” McAuley said.
“The Euros was ten years ago, and I’ve been retired nearly seven years, so to be remembered and recognised in this way is really humbling.”