Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, September 17, to consider motions conferring the Freedom of the Borough on Coleraine Football Club and Kilrea native Martin O'Neill.

A motion proposed by UUP councillor John Wisener seeks the honour for Coleraine Football Club in recognition of its sporting excellence and community impact, particularly ahead of the club's 100th anniversary in 2027. The motion, seconded by party colleagues Richard Holmes and Deputy Mayor Sandra Hunter, notes the club's founding in 1927 and its representation of the town and wider borough at regional, national and European levels.

The motion also cites the club's role in promoting youth engagement, inclusion, wellbeing and cross-community participation through sport, as well as its support for schools, charities and community initiatives.

A second motion, proposed by Sinn Féin councillor Sean Bateson and seconded by Leanne Peacock, calls for recognition of Martin O'Neill, a native of Kilrea. The motion highlights his playing career, including winning two European Cups with Nottingham Forest and captaining Northern Ireland at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, and his managerial successes with clubs such as Leicester City, Celtic and Aston Villa.

The motion also notes O'Neill's recent return to management with Celtic, where he won the league title at age 74. It asks officers to explore formal recognition options, including a commemorative plaque or civic recognition in Kilrea, and/or the awarding of the Freedom of the Borough, while engaging with local stakeholders and the O'Neill family.