Former Irish League club make 'extremely difficult decision' to withdraw from season
Former Irish League club Tobermore United have made the “extremely difficult decision” to withdraw from their current season and confirmed future plans will be announced “in the coming weeks and months”.
Founded in 1965, Tobermore won three North West Senior Cup crowns – the most recent success coming in 2006/07 – and also collected a host of intermediate honours, including six Craig Memorial Cups and the 2004/05 Second Division title.
The Co Londonderry club were a mainstay in the Irish League pyramid but were relegated to the Ballymena & Provincial League last season after finishing bottom of the Premier Intermediate League.
They had spent 11 consecutive seasons in Northern Ireland’s third-tier following their Championship One relegation in 2013.
Northern Ireland and Manchester United legend George Best played one competitive match for Tobermore – the Fortwilliam Park outfit lost 7-0 to Ballymena United in February 1984 with the famous winger in their side.
Tobermore sat eighth of 10 teams in this season’s BPFL Intermediate Division One, winning three of 10 matches, but have now made the call to withdraw for the rest of the current campaign.
"Tonight the club has made the extremely difficult decision to withdraw from football for the reminder of the 2025/2026 season,” the club posted in a statement. “The plans for the future of the club will be announced in the coming weeks and months
“All scheduled club events will go ahead as scheduled. We would like to thank everyone who was involved in the club over the past 60 years both on and off the pitch.”
The update prompted a host of well wishes and many local football fans and players offered up their memories of playing at Tobermore.
Fred Magee from H&W Welders said: “Sad news about Tobermore. We played our first B Division match against them in August 1983, fond memories and hope they come back next season. All at H&W Welders send their best wishes for a speedy return.”
Barrie Kelly posted: “Genuinely gutted reading this. My time at the club was fantastic with unforgettable moments playing alongside outstanding players, learning from brilliant management and sharing the journey with people who became lifelong friends.
"We enjoyed some great times on the pitch, lifted trophies and were part of occasions that meant so much to everyone involved.
“From Boxing Day finals to huge cup ties and the unforgettable day Linfield came to Fortwilliam Park those memories will always stand out. Fingers crossed this isn’t the final chapter for the club and we see you back soon.”
Championship club Annagh United added: “Very sad to hear this news. Hopefully the club can turn these dark times around in the near future - from all at Annagh United.”