Fans relishing return to top football flight after 18-year absence

Fans of Limavady United are relishing their return to the Irish Premiership after a long 18-year absence, securing promotion to the top flight with a 2–0 win over Annagh United on Saturday.

United needed to avoid defeat to finish as champions and secure promotion, sealing the title with a strong performance at the weekend.

John Butcher opened the scoring on 14 minutes from the penalty spot after Annagh's Ross Redman was sent off for handball, before adding a second late on after being set up by Alfie Gaston.

Supporters have said the team's success has lifted the whole town with fans already eagerly awaiting the likes of Linfield, Glentoran and Coleraine at the Limavady Showgrounds next season.

Stanley Callaghan, referred to affectionately as "Stan the Man" around the Limavady Showgrounds, has been following the Roesiders for as long as he can remember and said he cannot wait to see the team competing in the Sports Direct Premiership next season.

Stan, aged 80, has been a player, manager and now a committee member during his long association with Limavady United.

He said that seeing the club get back in the Irish Premiership is "just fantastic for a wee town that is punching well above its weight".

Stan, who managed the team during the 1970s, said a huge amount of praise must go to manager Paul Owens and his backroom staff for their fantastic season.

"Paul has just been immense. He really is committed to the role and gives 100% 24/7," Stan said.

"The players have all been absolutely fantastic, you know the likes of the Lowry brothers, the Boorman twins, John Butcher, young Alfie Gaston and just everybody.

"The whole team has taken it to a whole new level and only losing four games in the league all season, they really are deserved champions."

Stan said hosting top teams from across Northern Ireland next season will be not only great for supporters attending games, but also a huge lift for the town.

He added that while he has many great memories of Limavady United, his fondest is probably winning the 1964 Irish Junior Cup as a Limavady United player alongside Sammy 'Bud' Magowan, Robert Harper and Dan Butcher, among others.

He did, however, admit that promotion back to the Irish Premiership certainly ranks highly and is another to add to the list of moments that make following his local club so special.

He told BBC News NI that the aim for next season, like any newly promoted club, is to stay in the league and hopefully remain in the division long-term.

Sharon Boorman said the team's success this season has been extra special for her, as her twin sons, Ruairi and Tiarnán, are both players in the title-winning side.

"It has just been phenomenal and I can't tell you how proud I am," Sharon said.

"They have been playing football since they were three, and I have been to practically every single one of their games in rain, hail and snow. I wouldn't miss them for the world.

"To think they will be playing in the Irish Premiership next season is just incredible. I can't even describe it. They have all put so much hard work in to this, like everyone else in the team, and they all thoroughly deserve this."

Sharon, who is originally from Ballerin near Garvagh but now works in Limavady, said "the whole town is buzzing" after their win on Saturday.

She said having the twins both playing in the same team and achieving this together makes the moment even more special.

Calvin, aged eight, plays for Limavady Youths and said John Butcher, who scored the winning goals, was among his favourite players.

"I watched the game and it was brilliant." he said. "I'm also a big fan of Stevie Lowry and I'm so happy that they did so well all season.

"I play centre forward for the youths and would love to play for the big team some day. It would be class."

Reuben, who is seven, said the team has done "Limavady proud".

"The Lowry brothers are my favourite and them coming back to them team has been brilliant.

"I can't wait to see their cup. I love playing for the youths and scoring goals."

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today on Monday, manager Paul Owens, who has guided his team to two promotions in the last three seasons, said he was delighted to get the job done.

"It's been a real collective effort to achieve this," Owens said.

"Our front players have come to the party in the last six or seven weeks, we have the best defence in the league, and our midfield has been very strong, with a lot of experience in there, and it has just clicked."