‘It’s all about being in the Premier League’

Mr McCann, who made a special presentation of medals to manager Stephen Small and secretary Noel Patterson in the boardroom following the final game of the campaign, said: “I congratulate Carrick Rangers Football Club on winning the league, on behalf of the Irish Football Association. Just to wish Carrick Rangers all the best for next year in the Premier league, keep the flag flying in east Antrim.”

On the field, as well as the players, the back room team had their moment in the spotlight as their contribution was recognised in front of the ecstatic home crowd.

Applauded on to the field by Ballinamallard players, it was a night to be remembered by the triumphant Rangers squad in particular.

Speaking afterwards, Carrick assistant manager Lawrence Stitt said he was delighted that the men in amber and black were feted by the home fans in memorable fashion: “I think its all about players winning championships, so you give them their place and their place is enjoying themselves.

“Every single one of them, those who turned up for training and maybe didn’t play as many games as other people, they all made their contribution. It was a collective contribution throughout the season.”

Four days after the WKD Intermediate Cup and Championship double was realised, the extent of the achievement was still taking some getting used to, even for such a phlegmatic character as Stitt.

“I think it has been brilliant. Monday night was exceptional, getting an injury time goal in the final and then finding out right away you had won the league. That’ll never happen again. That’s really, really when you enjoy it.”

For more on Carrick Rangers’s Double-winning delight see this week’s edition of the Carrick Times