Former Armoy United players prepare to take pitch

The secured their status in north Antrim folklore for their legendary performances in the 1970s and 80s and now the players from the all-conquering Armoy United sides of yesteryear are set to pull on their boots once again.

In their heyday they swept all before them, lighting up the Coleraine and Ballymena leagues and boasted an enviable trophy haul.

Indeed so outstanding was the calibre of players turning out each week for the village at Limepark, they are still talked about decades later.

At the height of their success they were the undoubted jewel in the crown of north Antrim football, often proving themselves to be more than a match for so-called bigger clubs across the province.

Armoy captured the hearts of the local community too, crossing the religious and political divide, and regularly drawing several hundred supporters to their home games.

A generation on, hordes of fans are set to relive the Armoy glory days this summer with plans afoot to reunite all the past greats in a one-off charity match.

Mechelle Hartin is staging the special game between the players on Saturday 23 July at Limepark in order to raise funds for the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children.

Mechelle said the charity is very close to her heart and she believed bringing back all the old Armoy faces was a fantastic way of boosting its coffers.

“It’s for a really, really good cause,” Mechelle told the Times.

“I have a five-year-old girl and it is reassuring to know those facilities are there should you ever need them.”

“I remember when I was young going to the matches all the time.

Among those who have already agreed to dust the boots off for the match are Martin McGarry, Olcan McFetridge, James Christie, Bobby Adams, Gareth Elder, Trevor Magee and Eugene Laverty.

As well as the match, refreshments and other entertainment is being put on for what promises to be a fantastic day for all the family.

Mechelle has appealed for anyone wishing to take part to confirm their place with her as soon as possible.