Marc Crosas and Charlie Mulgrew were among the former team-mates saluting Paddy McCourt as the genius hung up his boots.
His last hurrah turned into a damp squib, lasting just 17 minutes before injury caught up with him, but that didn’t prevent Finn Harps from enjoying a 2-0 win away to Limerick to return to the top flight.
Just hearing @PaddyMcCourt15 has hung the boots up. First and foremost what a guy he is, unreal sense of humour. We had some great laughs when we were together at @CelticFC the most naturally gifted players Iv ever played with. All the best whatever you do next mate #derrypele
— Charlie Mulgrew (@charlie_mulgrew) November 3, 2018
All the best Paddy. Was an absolutely pleasure playing 3 years alongside you and showing me what it means to be a Celt. I’ve seen you scoring unbelievable goals from the pitch. Legend!
— Marc Crosas ????? (@marccrosas) November 3, 2018
Having won the first leg 1-0 the match was in the balance but thanks partly to 21 appearances and 3 goals from McCourt top flight football returns to Ballybofey.
By the time next season starts the former Celtic favourite will be well into his new job as Head of the Derry City Academy passing on tips from almost 20 years in the game.
Five years at Celtic were undoubtedly the highlight of his career as he left supporters with multiple of memories through his signature solo goals.
Although never quite a regular at Celtic he left more of a mark than most with supporters left wondering why such a highly skilled individual never quite made it to the highest level.
As he demonstrated in his recent interview with Si Ferry there are no regrets from the Derry Pele who will be a first pick for the Masters and Celebrity matches.