Newington FC captain Richard Gowdy swaps title celebrations for Ibiza stag do

When Newington lift the Premier Intermediate League trophy this weekend, captain Richard Gowdy will be sipping cocktails and a few ‘cervezas’ in Ibiza.

The club captain will be on his stag when the North Belfast club receives the trophy after their final game of the season against Banbridge Town.

Newington were confirmed champions on Saturday after their 6-1 demolition of Armagh City, while Bangor lost 4-2 to Limavady United.

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Gowdy admits he is still coming to terms with the seismic achievement, with two days of “chaotic” celebrations highlighting just what it means to Paul Hamilton’s side.

“The celebrations were unbelievable. I am lying on the sofa here now,” Gowdy joked.

“It was absolute carnage, but they are special moments. We got the fans with us and it was mayhem.

“We have had two days of it, and there might be a third depending how well I feel.”

He added: “We will probably get the trophy next Saturday, but I will be on my stag in Ibiza.

“Our vice captain Kevin Bradley goes on a different stag do on Thursday so he won’t be about either.

“I would love to have been able to lift it, but at the end of the day I don’t really care that much. It is about winning the league for me.

“I don’t think I will ever have a feeling like that on Saturday when we were confirmed as champions.”

Newington have been relentless since the split, with their emphatic victories over title rivals Bangor and Armagh proving their hunger for the fight.

Gowdy insists there were no nerves within the camp - just an insatiable appetite to get over the line.

“From the split we have just grasped our opportunity. The best way to win the title is beating the other main contenders 5-0 and