Coleraine FC to Receive Freedom Of The Borough After Council Approval

Coleraine Football Club is to be awarded the Freedom of the Borough after councillors approved the proposal at a special meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council this evening, Thursday 17th September 2026. 

Councillors met specifically to consider a notice of motion calling for the honour to be conferred on the club in recognition of its contribution to the borough, sporting achievements and role within the wider community.

The motion was proposed by Councillor John Wisener, seconded by Councillor Richard Holmes and Alderman Sandra Hunter.

It comes as Coleraine FC prepares to mark its centenary in 2027, having been founded in 1927.

The proposal said the club had, for almost a century, represented Coleraine and the wider borough at regional, national and European levels, while also playing an important role away from the pitch.

It highlighted the club's work in youth engagement and grassroots football, as well as its contribution to inclusion, wellbeing and cross-community participation.

The motion also recognised Coleraine FC's support for local schools, charities and community initiatives.

Councillors were told that the club's 100th anniversary represented a significant milestone for both Coleraine FC and the borough.

The original motion said awarding the Freedom of the Borough would be "a fitting and enduring tribute" to a club that has served its community for almost 100 years.

It added that the honour would recognise the role sport can play in creating "unity and pride within our community".

Councillor Tanya Elder, a lifelong Coleraine supporter, welcomed the decision.

“As a lifelong Bannsider, I wholeheartedly support the proposal to award Coleraine Football Club the Freedom of the Borough.

“Coleraine FC is much more than a football club. It is part of the fabric of our town, bringing generations together and creating friendships, memories and a sense of belonging that extend far beyond the terraces.

“Alongside its sporting achievements, the club’s work with young people and support for local charities and community initiatives deserve recognition. This honour would also acknowledge the players, staff, volunteers and loyal supporters who have helped sustain the club throughout its history.

“With its centenary approaching in 2027, this would be a fitting tribute to almost 100 years of contribution to our Borough and the pride the club continues to bring to our community.”

The Freedom of the Borough is one of the highest civic honours a council can confer.

The decision comes just months after the council hosted an event recognising Coleraine FC following its Irish Cup success, with Mayor Councillor Dawn Huggins describing the victory as a proud moment for both the club and the wider borough.

Alliance spokesperson for East Londonderry, Alderman Richard Brown, has welcomed the decision to recognise Coleraine Football Club.

Alderman Brown said:

“The Freedom of the Borough, our highest civic honour, is not an honour to be bestowed lightly. Both Coleraine Football Club and Martin O’Neill have made significant and lasting contributions to the story and reputation of our Borough, making them ideal candidates for the Freedom of the Borough this evening.

“I am delighted the council has agreed to recognise two hugely important parts of our Borough’s footballing heritage.”

Alderman Yvonne Boyle, Alliance councillor for Coleraine, said:

“Coleraine Football Club is woven into the fabric of our town and has been for generations.

“It has given our community so many memories and has played an important role in bringing people together, while also providing opportunities for young people and supporting the wider community.

“With the centenary of the club approaching next year, I believe this is a particularly fitting time to recognise the contribution of Coleraine FC and everyone who has helped make the club what it is today.”

Further arrangements surrounding the formal conferral of the Freedom of the Borough are expected to be confirmed at a later date.

Alderman Yvonne Boyle, Alliance councillor for Coleraine, said:

“Coleraine Football Club is woven into the fabric of our town and has been for generations.

“It has given our community so many memories and has played an important role in bringing people together, while also providing opportunities for young people and supporting the wider community.

“With the centenary of the club approaching next year, I believe this is a particularly fitting time to recognise the contribution of Coleraine FC and everyone who has helped make the club what it is today.”

Councillor Amy Mairs, Alliance councillor for Limavady, said:

“For a young person growing up in a local community, and as a lifelong football fan, Martin’s journey is an inspirational example of what can be achieved. From his roots in Kilrea, he went on to achieve major success, both as a player and manager, at the highest levels of the game.

“His achievements have brought enormous pride to Kilrea and to the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area, and he is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by someone from our own wee part of the world.

“I am very pleased to support recognising Martin’s contribution and ensuring that his achievements continue to be celebrated by future generations.”

Alderman Brown added:

“These are two recognitions that celebrate different aspects of our sporting heritage, but both demonstrate the contribution football has made to our communities.

“I congratulate both Coleraine Football Club and Martin O’Neill, and look forward to celebrating the pride they have brought to Causeway Coast and Glens when the Freedom is conferred in the coming months.”