Wikipedia - Loughgall F.C.

Loughgall Football Club is a semi-professional Northern Irish football club currently playing in the NIFL Premiership. The club has been managed by Dean Smith since 2016.

History

The club, founded in 1967, is situated in the village of Loughgall, near Armagh in County Armagh and they play their home games in the village at Lakeview Park. The club was accepted into the old Irish League B Division in 1991, having played largely at junior level prior. Alfie Wylie is their longest serving manager, being in charge from 1986–1999. In the 1996–97 season, the club would have a good season, notably defeating Cliftonville in the League Cup, winning the Bob Radcliffe cup and reaching the semi-final of the Irish Cup. In the space of four years, the Lakeview Park side would win four consecutive B Divisions however would not be granted election to the 1st Division, being overlooked for other, arguably bigger clubs further down the league table.

First Premiership foray, Championship era and Premiership return (2004-)

They achieved senior status in 2004 on promotion to the Irish Premier League, but reverted to intermediate status upon relegation in 2007. In 2007, under the management of Niall Currie, the club had their most successful season, winning the first division, Bob Radciffe, Mid Ulster Cup, Intermediate Cup and Carnegie League Cup. The villagers would win the league again in 2009–10 but would not be promoted. On 3 March 2018, Loughgall defeated Glenavon 2–1 to reach the semi-final of the Irish Cup for the first time since 1997.

In April 2023, the club would return to the NIFL Premiership for the first time since 2007, following a 3–1 win away to Dundela. In being promoted, the village of Loughgall would become the smallest settlement, with a population of 283, to have a top flight team in Europe. The club would start their season away to Newry City. The club would perform incredibly well in the top flight, securing a notable victory over champions Larne, and finishing well clear of the relegation zone. The villagers plaudits would see manager Dean Smith receive Manager of the Year from the NIFWA.

Loughgall Football Club is a semi-professional soccer team based in Loughgall, Northern Ireland. The team competes in the NIFL Championship, the second tier of football in Northern Ireland. Loughgall FC was founded in 1967 and has a rich history of success in local competitions.

The team's colors are blue and white, and they play their home matches at Lakeview Park, a picturesque stadium located in the heart of Loughgall. The team is known for its passionate fan base and competitive spirit on the field.

Loughgall FC has a strong youth development program and is committed to nurturing young talent in the local community. The team has a reputation for playing attractive, attacking football and has produced several players who have gone on to play at higher levels of the game.

Overall, Loughgall FC is a respected and well-established club in Northern Irish football, with a proud tradition and a bright future ahead.