THANKS to COAGH United's sportsmanship neighbours Tobermore United are able to take part in the new IFA Championship, it has emerged.
The club chairmen set aside their sporting rivalry before Tuesday night's match to shake hands on a deal which will see Tobermore share Coagh's Hagan Park until their Fortwilliam Park facilities are brought up to IFA standards.
"In a very sportin
g and neighbourly manner Coagh United handed us an olive branch when we most needed it," said Tobermore chairman Raymond Beatty.
"It's pleasing to see that there are still some people in local football who can behave in a sporting way towards their neighbours."
Two seasons ago Tobermore – who finished fifth in the old Irish Division One last season – came close to relegation after nearest neighbours Moyola Park FC lodged a complaint about them fielding an inelligible player.
The complaint was eventually thrown out by the IFA, but the weeks of wrangling and delays resulted in a deep rift in relations between Tobermore and Moyola which hasn't healed.
Tobermore, who were initially reluctant to join the new championship, hope to be back at Fortwilliam by the middle of next month.
The ground is almost up to scratch - just some building work remains to be carried out at the changing rooms.
"It will be good when we return to Fortwilliam," said Beatty. "But on behalf of everyone at Tobermore I want to place on record our sincere gratitude to the Coagh management for the positive way they responded when we most needed help."
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