IT’S amazing what flags and bunting can do for a place. Dotted around north Belfast, red and white bunting swings and flutters and large Cliftonville flags fly imperiously at the top of lampposts.

There’s a strong, emblematic feeling when you drive or walk by them. You’re overcome by a weird sense of pride that you don’t normally experience any other time of the year.

But this is Irish Cup final week. The insatiable search of the Holy Grail resumes. Cliftonville Football Club are back for another crack, this time against Linfield.

You think of those hearty souls who went to the bother of getting the bunting and flags, acquiring ladders, and erecting them - a gallant reminder that a sense of community can still be felt in difficult times - and how these seemingly small acts of volunteerism end up nourishing all of us.

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Camera crews, photographers and journalists gathered at Solitude a couple of Tuesday nights ago for the club’s Irish Cup final press night.

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Gerard Lyttle, Cliftonville’s assistant manager, is lining out cones.

A firm handshake and beaming smile from the former Reds player – bouncing fit and looking like he could still do a shift in midfield.

Chrissy Curran ambles into the ground for training alongside Jonny Addis, both of whom will probably be snaffled up by the awaiting media.

In front of........

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