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."
CHAMPIONS Next stop: #SportsDirectPrem 🔥Congratulations, @LimavadyUtdFC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WnMh3SSX25
— NI Football League (@OfficialNIFL) April 18, 2026
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.