NEFL | Rangers pull out of NEFL as manager Conroy departs to Bellurgan
# Newcomers Redeemer Celtic regraded to Division Two
# Quay Athletic will play in Division Three
Reigning Division Two champions Rangers have withdrawn from this season’s North East Football League just days after manager Wayne Conroy’s departure to Bellurgan United was confirmed.
Conroy, who led the Dundalk side to three back-to-back promotions takes over from Padraig Gollogley in the Bellurgan hotseat.
Gollogley guided the peninsula side to last season’s Tully Bookmakers Challenge Cup and Kilmessan Shield finals only to be beaten by Navan Cosmos and Quay Celtic respectively.
As a result, newcomers Redeemer Celtic have been regraded in Division Two while Quay Celtic’s second team, Quay Athletic, are graded in Division Three.
Elsewhere, Bellurgan United, Quay Celtic and reigning champions, Muirhevnamor, are the local representatives in a 10-team Premier Division.
After being relegated from the top flight last season, Rock Celtic find themselves alongside Ardee Celtic — managed by Conor Lynch and coached by ex-Dundalk FC stalwart, John Flanagan — and Square United in Division One.
Woodview Celtic will now be joined by newcomers Redeemer Celtic in Division Two while Bay United and Glenmuir United will play in Division Three along with Quay Athletic.
Bellurgan United are the only local club to have entered a team into the reserve division following the withdrawal of Rock Celtic’s second string.
The new season is due to kick-off with the respective shield group games on August 8th/9th, followed by weekend fixtures in the same competition. A full first team programme will take place on the week ending August 20th.
NEFL Gradings 2017/2018
NEFL Premier Division
Bellurgan United
Black Bull
Boyne Harps
Duleek
Muirhevnamor
Navan Cosmos
Newfoundwell
OMP United
Quay Celtic
Trim Celtic
NEFL Division One
Ardee Celtic
Athboy Celtic
Carrick Rovers
Enfield Celtic
Johnstown
Kells/Blackwater
Kentstown Rovers
Kingscourt Harps
Navan Town
Rock Celtic
Square United
Trim Town
NEFL Division Two
Albion Rovers
Bailieboro Celtic
Hazel Lane
Oldcastle United
Parkvilla
Rathkenny Rovers
Redeemer Celtic
Rossin Rovers
Torro United
Virginia Celtic
Woodview Celtic
NEFL Division Three
Bay FC
BJD Celtic
Donacarney Celtic
Glenmuir United
Kells Celtic
Lourdes Celtic
Newtown United
Park Celtic Summerhill
Quay Athletic
Rathmullan Celtic
Skryne/Tara
NEFL Division Four
BMC United
Bohermeen Celtic
Castle Villa
Chord Celtic
Electro Celtic
Fordrew Rovers
Grove Rangers
Kilmessan
Moneymore FC
Robinstown
Slane Wanderers
Thatch FC
