Why Ballyclare’s rise to senior rugby for the first time will impact entire town

The Ballyclare squad and supporters after winning the All-Ireland Junior Cup

Michael Sadlier

Sometimes it’s just fated to happen.

It was the final play when Ballyclare skipper Joel McBride’s solo run took him through to score under the posts to win not just last month’s promotion showdown with Dublin side Monkstown but create a moment of history in elevating his club to the senior ranks for the first time.