Ballymacash Rangers Claim Historic Steel and Sons Cup Final Victory in 2025

Introduction: A Christmas Day Football Tradition

The Steel and Sons Cup Final represents one of Northern Ireland’s most cherished football traditions, with the final traditionally played on 25 December. This year’s 2025 edition delivered exceptional drama as Ballymacash Rangers secured landmark Steel & Sons Cup final glory at Seaview thanks to penalty shoot-out success over Holywood. The Christmas morning showpiece attracted a bumper Seaview crowd of more than 2,000, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this historic competition.

Match Details and Key Moments

Ross Hunter had put Ballymacash in front early on before Joshua Burns’ first-half equaliser, setting the stage for a tightly contested encounter. Under former Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton, Irish League third-tier Ballymacash added the Christmas Day trophy to the club roll of honour for the first time ever with a 4-2 spot-kick triumph after the sides hit full-time level at 1-1. The hero of the day was goalkeeper Jordan Williamson who saved two penalty kicks to secure victory for his team.

Significance and Historic Achievement

This victory holds special meaning for both clubs, as for both sides, it’s a first-ever appearance and a first-ever chance to get their name on the historic trophy. Despite a two-division gap between the sides, Holywood proved competitive throughout, demonstrating that cup football can produce unexpected challenges. The Steel and Sons Cup, donated to the County Antrim FA in 1895, continues to provide memorable moments for intermediate-level football in Northern Ireland, offering smaller clubs the opportunity to compete for prestigious silverware and create lasting memories for their communities.