Killymoon Football Club celebrating after Intermediate return is confirmed

A Mid Ulster football club is celebrating after its return to Intermediate football was confirmed.

Killymoon Rangers are on the rise once again after spending the past four seasons playing in the Junior divisions of the Ballymena and Provincial League.

Their promotion was recently confirmed at the league's AGM, with the Cookstown club set to play in Intermediate B next season, heralding a new era for manager Glen McMenemy's side.

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During their time in the Junior league, Killymoon lifted their first league title in 45 years when they lifted Division Two. They went on to dominate Division One and reach four cup finals along the way, and now they are on the rise again.

A big part of their success has stemmed from the ambition of new boss McMenemy, who guided the team to runners-up spot in Junior Division 1 last season and two cup finals.

Ahead of their opening night of pre-season on July 1, McMenemy admits there's "lots of hard work to do" ahead of their Intermediate kick-off later this summer.

He said: "Our pre-season gets underway on Monday, and we've lots of work to do to be ready for the start of the season. There are some exciting pre-season matches pencilled in, opportunities for current and new players to prove themselves both from a fitness perspective and quality point of view.

"We're going to need a big squad this year once again, and I hope we can build on last year's great form and start the season well. Intermediate Football is where this club belongs and the players have been pushing hard for this, we're very excited to be back in Intermediate.

"A big season awaits."

Killymoon have a proud football tradition, having previously played in Championship 1 and Championship 2 for six consecutive seasons, the second and third tiers of Irish League football.

They have also enjoyed some stellar runs in the Irish Cup, playing the likes of Linfield, Glentoran, Crusaders and Portadown.

Club Chairman Raymond Ferguson believes the club has earned its place in Intermediate football after "proving ourselves" over the past few years.

He added: "We are delighted to announce our return to Intermediate football, we've proven ourselves at Junior Level these last few years, and since the arrival of Glen McMenemy as Manager and the addition of 4 or 5 new players last year, the boys have been playing some great stuff.

"I think we went unbeaten for 10-15 games at one point last year, and the team broke all kinds of goalscoring records. It's been great to watch, I've not seen as many local Cookstown folk out supporting us as these last few months."

"I hope the support continues this coming season, games will be much tougher, more competitive, bigger stadiums and home grounds, irish league quality players in some of the teams, but i think our lads will relish the challenge.

"We're back where we belong! It's a great time for Killymoon."

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