Blue and white pride as Coleraine celebrates Irish Cup heroes with civic recognition event

Members of Coleraine’s Irish Cup-winning team on stage at Saturday’s celebration

Coleraine’s Irish Cup-winning team received a hero’s welcome in their home town on Saturday as supporters, families and local residents gathered to celebrate one of the club’s greatest modern achievements.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council hosted a special recognition event in the town centre to honour Ruaidhri Higgins’ Irish Cup-winning squad, bringing together players past and present, supporters and members of the local community in a celebration of both footballing success and civic pride.

The event recognised Coleraine Football Club’s historic cup triumph and the impact the achievement has had not only on supporters of the club but across the wider borough.

A proud day for Coleraine and the wider borough

Coleraine FC manager and players with the Irish Cup

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins with the Irish Cup and Coleraine mascot Benny the Bannsider.

The celebration was organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in partnership with Coleraine Connect following a Notice of Motion brought before council by Alderman Mark Fielding and seconded by Councillor Tanya Elder.

The motion called for the local authority to formally recognise the achievements of Ruaidhri Higgins and his Irish Cup-winning side following their memorable success.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said the victory had become a source of pride far beyond the football club itself.

“The Irish Cup victory was a proud moment not only for Coleraine Football Club but for the entire Borough.

“We are all immensely proud of your success, and I would like to thank you for taking time out of your pre-match preparations to join us this morning.”

Fans celebrate club’s latest chapter in its history

Coleraine Manager Ruaidhri Higgins on stage during the event. 

Lyndon Kane signs a football before the celebration event in Coleraine. 

Supporters attending the event were given the opportunity to hear directly from manager Ruaidhri Higgins and club captain Lyndon Kane during a question-and-answer session reflecting on the cup-winning campaign and the significance of lifting one of Northern Ireland football’s biggest prizes.

The event also looked back on Coleraine’s proud footballing heritage, with former players joining celebrations and sharing memories from previous eras of success at the club.

That mix of history and recent achievement gave supporters the chance to celebrate the club’s traditions while marking what many regard as one of the defining moments in recent years for the Bannsiders.

Families and young supporters join the celebrations

Members of the community, old and young, gathered at The Diamond to celebrate Coleraine FC’s Irish Cup victory

Matthew Shevlin signs a shirt for a young Coleraine fan. 

The event was designed to be a family occasion, with younger supporters enjoying a football-themed trail hunt, keepy-uppy challenges and inflatable attractions throughout the morning.

Fans of all ages had the opportunity to meet players, pose for photographs and get up close to the Irish Cup itself, creating a festival atmosphere in the town centre.

For many young supporters, it was a rare chance to meet their heroes and celebrate a trophy success they will remember for years to come.

The event also highlighted the role football can play in strengthening community ties and bringing people together through shared pride and local identity.

Football success brings community together

Coleraine fans pose for a photograph with the Coleraine players.

Chairman of Coleraine Connect, Jonny Fielding, described the celebrations as a fitting tribute to the team and the wider community that has supported the club throughout its journey.

“As a lifelong Coleraine FC supporter, it was brilliant to be at Windsor Park and witness Coleraine lift the Irish Cup.

“So to help bring today’s celebration to the town and see so many supporters come together to honour the team was equally special.

“It was a privilege for Coleraine Connect to work alongside Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to deliver this event. Days like today show the power of football to bring a community together, while also showcasing everything that’s great about our town. Seeing families, young supporters, local businesses and lifelong fans celebrating together in Coleraine is something I am immensely proud of.”

Saturday’s celebrations provided an opportunity not only to recognise sporting success but also to celebrate the sense of identity, pride and togetherness that major achievements can generate within a community.

With the new season fast approaching, Coleraine’s Irish Cup heroes now return their attention to matters on the pitch, but for a few hours at least, the town paused to celebrate a moment that has already secured its place in local sporting history.