Coleraine’s Irish Cup heroes to be honoured with town centre celebration

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins with Coleraine FC Captain Lyndon Kane and  Coleraine Football Club’s Chief Executive Officer, Dale Pryde-MacDonald, Johnny Fielding, Chairman of Coleraine Connect, Alderman Mark Fielding and Councillor Tanya Elder. 

Coleraine FC’s Irish Cup-winning season will be celebrated with a major family-friendly event in the heart of the town next month, giving supporters the chance to honour the players, staff and community that helped deliver one of the club’s most memorable achievements.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has confirmed plans for a special celebration in Coleraine town centre on Saturday, July 4, following a Notice of Motion calling for the club’s success to be formally recognised.

The event comes after Coleraine FC’s Irish Cup triumph under manager Ruaidhri Higgins, a victory that generated widespread support across the town and brought significant pride to the wider borough.

Council backs formal recognition of historic success

The celebration was proposed through a Notice of Motion brought forward by Alderman Mark Fielding and seconded by Councillor Tanya Elder, seeking official recognition of the club’s achievement.

Plans are now being developed by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in partnership with Coleraine Connect, formerly Coleraine BID, with organisers aiming to create a day that brings together supporters, families, residents and local businesses.

The event will provide an opportunity for the community to celebrate not only the players and management team but also the wider network of supporters whose backing helped drive the club throughout its cup-winning campaign.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said the victory resonated far beyond the football pitch.

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

“I thank my Council colleagues, Alderman Mark Fielding for proposing the Motion and Councillor Tanya Elder for seconding it – it is a wonderful chance for us all to celebrate.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity for supporters, families and the wider community to come together and celebrate an achievement that has brought so much joy and pride to the town.”

Community spirit highlighted ahead of celebrations

Organisers say the event will also recognise the strong sense of unity that developed across Coleraine during the club’s run to cup success.

Businesses, residents and supporters rallied behind the team in the lead-up to the final, with displays of club colours and messages of support visible throughout the town.

Coleraine Connect Chairman Johnny Fielding said the occasion would allow the community to celebrate together before attention turns to the new season.

“As Chair of Coleraine Connect and a proud supporter of Coleraine FC, I’m delighted that, together with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Coleraine FC, we have been able to organise this special event to celebrate the fantastic achievement of winning the Irish Cup.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together and recognise the team’s success, alongside the supporters who backed them throughout the season, before we look ahead to the new campaign.

“In the lead-up to the final, we saw an incredible sense of togetherness across Coleraine, with businesses and residents proudly showing their support. It created a real community spirit and showed what can be achieved when we come together.

“We have a fantastic day planned, and I would encourage everyone to join the celebrations and support our local businesses while they are in town. I look forward to seeing everyone as we mark a memorable moment in the club’s history.”

Club thanks supporters for their role in cup success

Coleraine FC Chief Executive Officer Dale Pryde-MacDonald said the event is an opportunity to recognise the collective effort that helped deliver the Irish Cup victory.

“We are absolutely delighted to have this event taking place in the Town Centre. Our thanks to Alderman Mark Fielding and Councillor Tanya Elder for proposing the event and to our new Mayor Dawn Huggins, the Council Team and Coleraine Connect for making it a reality.

“There is no doubt that our Cup success was only possible with the incredible backing from our local community, and to now have this event recognising the efforts of everybody who supported us is truly humbling for the club and we look forward to what will be a memorable day.

“We hope that this event can be a day where players, staff, supporters and the community can come together to celebrate a unified effort to lift the Irish Cup, but it is also a chance to set the tone for what we hope will be another exciting season in 2026/27.”

The celebration is expected to draw supporters from across the borough and beyond, providing a public opportunity to recognise a sporting achievement that united the town and placed Coleraine FC firmly at the centre of local pride.

With preparations now underway, organisers are encouraging residents and supporters to mark the date as the town prepares to honour its Irish Cup heroes in what promises to be a memorable community celebration.