Published Tuesday, 03 May 2011
Stephen Small's side defeated H&W Welders 1-0 in the Intermediate Cup final at Dixon Park.
At the same time title challengers Limavady United drew 1-1 with Ballymoney United in the Championship and needed a win to keep their hopes alive.
That crowned Carrick league champions and Paul Heatley secured the Cup with his 90th minute winner.
It means Carrick will now play in the Premiership for the first time since 1995.
After the game former Northern Ireland international Michael Hughes, who is a majority shareholder at Carrick Rangers, sang Heatley's praises.
"He played against us in pre-season and he actually destroyed us," he told the Belfast Telegraph.
"We signed him up straight away and I knew we had something special on our hands.
"I think Paul should stay one more season with us, but I believe the lad has a future across the water. He's that good."