The team at The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn is set to cheer on Holywood FC as the club takes part in its first ever Steel and Sons Cup Final against Ballymacash Rangers on Christmas Day at Seaview, home of Crusaders FC.

The Old Inn is part of the Galgorm Collection, and the hotel is proud to be supporting Holywood FC, which is co-managed by Galgorm’s Safety and Compliance Manager, Jonny McKay alongside Glen Upton.

Holywood FC, an NAFL Division 1A side, have defied the odds to reach the final, overcoming top intermediate teams along the way including East Belfast (NAFL Premier), Ballyclare Comrades (PIL), Willowbank (1A and last year’s runners-up in the Steel and Sons) and Rosario YC (NAFL Premier).

The club was delighted to reach the final after a very exciting and nerve-wracking semi-final against Belfast club, Rosario YC. The County Down men looked set to exit the competition as it was 1-0 to Rosario YC at full time but in an extraordinary comeback, in the fourth minute of the six additional minutes, Holywood FC substitute, Jack McCadden scored closely followed by teammate, JJ McKinley heading the ball into the net for a second, winning goal.

Joanne Honeywood, General Manager at The Old Inn said: “We are delighted that Holywood FC has reached the final of the Steel and Sons Cup competition. As team sponsor, we have followed their progress closely all season and have seen how much hard work and dedication they have devoted to their training and matches. Our Safety and Compliance Manager, Jonny McKay gives so much of his spare time to managing the players and we wish them all the very best for the final.”

The Steel and Sons Cup is a historic intermediate-level football competition run by the County Antrim and District Football Association, and it’s famous for its Christmas Day final. This will be Holywood FC’s biggest match in the club’s history.

Holywood FC Co-Manager and Galgorm’s Safety and Compliance Manager, Jonny McKay commented: “As a club, to reach the final of the Steel and Sons Cup is absolutely fantastic and credit is due to the players who went above and beyond in our match against Rosario, which are in the division above us so, to make it through to the final is testament to the hard work our boys put in.

“We are very much looking forward to taking part in the final on Christmas Day and just to be part of and to experience one of local football’s most coveted cup competitions is a great achievement for the club. I’d like to thank The Old Inn for their sponsorship and support – here’s hoping for a favourable result!”

The Steel and Sons Cup Final takes place at 10.45am on Christmas Day at Seaview, Belfast.