Cliftonville FC heads off winding-up petition

Irish League football club Cliftonville FC has headed off the threat of going out of business, it has been confirmed.

The north Belfast side was facing a winding-up petition over a tax bill stretching back nearly a decade.

But the application, brought by HM Revenue and Customs, was dismissed at the High Court.

The debts were said to have already existed when a new committee and directors were appointed in 2003.

It is understood that since then the new regime has been attempting to clear the money owed.

Club chairman Gerard Lawlor said: "In these tough economic times, we have had to redouble our efforts but are pleased that recently, despite some last minute hurdles, we have settled the aged debt with HMRC, which we have been working at for many years.

"The club would like to thank our members and supporters for their continued support and assistance."