Champions Lochaber were presented with the Mowi National Division trophy following their 2-2 draw with Oban Celtic at Mossfield on Saturday.
Having won the Ferguson Transport and Shipping Balliemore Cup with a 5-0 win over Kilmallie in July, promotion to the Premiership is the cherry on top of the cake for the Spean Bridge-based club.
Speaking to the Locahaber Times this week, Lochaber team manager Ally Ferguson said: “To sum up our season, we have to be very pleased.
“To win the Balliemore cup was fantastic and to win this season’s competitive National League was incredible given the teams that were involved.
“It is a great credit to everyone at the club, from the committee, the ground staff and in particular the players and the coaches who have all put in a lot of time effort and dedication to finally get the league and cup over the line.
“We reached a low ebb at senior level in recent years as a club and while there is still lots to do, the turn around of fortunes at the club is nothing short of remarkable this season.
“Something that is great for the team and club morale in particular is our local support.
“We were all delighted to get the National league championship over the line and the win in the Balliemore Cup will go down in folklore as a memorable occasion – a local derby played at home in good spirit with a reception in the village which was second to none. It will be remembered for many years, if not decades, to come.”
Last weekend, hosts Oban Celtic went into the match knowing that Kilmallie’s win over Strathglass earlier in the day meant they could not finish bottom of the table, so they played with freedom, Innes Jackson giving them the lead on 15 minutes.
However, Lochaber have stormed through the division this season and captain Pat Toal
made it 1-1 on 27 minutes.
Celtic got themselves back in front through Jamie MacFarlane on 36 minutes but Lochaber levelled for a second time when Duncan MacKinnon scored on 49 minutes.
Following the final whistle, Lochaber skipper Pat Toal was presented with the Mowi
National Division trophy by Oban councillor Jim Lynch and Camanachd
Association director Roddy MacCuish with Davie Hamilton of Oban Celtic organising
proceedings.
Looking ahead, Ally admitted things are still a “work in progress”.
“We can now look forward to the challenge of the Premier League next season,” he added. “There is a good spirit in the camp and we are looking forward to it.
“Meantime, we need to enjoy the moment and celebrate our success from this season before anything else as this will not come round every year.
“Then, in plenty time, we can plan for the 2024 season. It is all part of the journey we are on now and we are all looking forward to see where it takes us.”
Featured image: Lochaber captain Pat Toal with the Mowi National Division Trophy. Photograph: Stephen Lawson. NO_F40_LochaberShintyClub_NationalLeagueWinners2023 04