Club Statement

Mullen Steps Down

Newry City AFC can confirm that Darren Mullen will step down as First Team Manager at the end of the season.

We thank Darren and his back room staff for coming back to the club during what has been a tough season. It was a privilege to have Darren as Manager for 400+ games.

Darren commented “This is a tough day for the club and as manager I can only apologise to the fans. Ultimately we just haven’t been good enough. It was always my plan to step aside at the end of the season so I will now help the club in the process of finding a new manager.

“We will take time to review what has gone wrong and put plans in place to appoint the right man to get us back where we belong. I’d like to thank the players for their efforts and the coaching staff for their commitment in what has been a tough season. Most importantly I’d like to thank the fans for their unwavering support and assure them that there will be brighter days ahead.” 💙

NCAFC U15 Last Man Standing

Our U15 team are running a Last Man Standing competition to raise funds for their trip to the Foyle Cup.

 

£500 jackpot very kindly sponsored by Just Good Grub https://www.facebook.com/JustGoodGrubNewry/?locale=en_GB

List of entries for week three:

Name Week3 Name Week3
Paul Tasker Liverpool Paul Watters Liverpool
Kathryn Briant Liverpool Maco Brighton
Stuart Linden Liverpool Maco Grandkids Liverpool
Katherine Hawkins Liverpool Tommy O Reilly C Palace
Lee Deacon Liverpool Tony Patterson Man City
Ronan Bradley Liverpool Sheila King Wolves
Brian O Reilly Liverpool Maureen Toner Liverpool
Tiarnan Johnston Liverpool David Toner Liverpool
Aaron Kavanagh C Palace David Jones Liverpool
Barry Kavanagh Bournemouth Jacob Toner Liverpool
Pat Quinn Liverpool Aaron Mc Parland Everton
Kaelan Gill Everton Patricia Fearon Newcastle
Ryan Mc Ardle C Palace Bunt Magee Liverpool
Paul Mc Ardle Brighton George Henry Liverpool
Shane Jones Liverpool Kathy Duggan Liverpool
Kevin Taylor Liverpool Alana Bannon Kegeci Leicester
Eoin Taylor Liverpool Una Bannon Everton
Pat Taylor Liverpool Michael Kegeci Liverpool
Matt Hillen C Palace Mandy Brown Arsenal
David Finnegan Liverpool Liz Rocks Liverpool
Pauline Clark Brentford Brian Dickinson C Palace
Karl Feenan Liverpool Kieran Mooney A Villa
Aoife Feenan Liverpool Brenda Kellaghan Liverpool
Eamonn Devlin Liverpool Oliver Reavey Newcastle
Bailey Lavelle Arsenal David Haughey Liverpool
Bailley Lavelle Liverpool Aidan Gill Liverpool
Ross Lavelle C Palace Bobby Johnston C Palace
Mia Lavelle Bournemouth Dominic Fegan Liverpool
Alison Rigley Brentford Connor Quinn A Villa
Alison Rigley Arsenal Stephen Carroll Liverpool
Casey Smyth

Smyth in on Loan

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of winger Casey Smyth on loan for the remainder of the season.

 

The highly-rated 19-year-old comes to The Showgrounds from Glentoran, where he made his Senior debut in 2023.

Casey, son of legendary Glens defender Gary Smyth, has also played for Northern Ireland at U17, U18 and U19 level and represented County Down at the SuperCup NI.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting started and contributing to the team for the rest of the season,” said Smyth of his move

“I’m excited to get playing in front of the Newry fans and can’t wait for the game on Friday night.”

 

Manager Darren Mullen added: “I’m delighted to get Casey signed for the rest of the season.

“He’s a lad we spoke about some weeks ago after his performance against our Under-20s when Raymond Byrne and Jervis McCaul were looking after the team.

“We needed another attacker and I’m sure his pace and skill will be a big addition for us.

“I’d like to thank Glentoran for helping us with the deal.”

 

Casey will wear the number 60 jersey for the club.

 

Casey is the our fifth signing of the January window, following the arrivals of Jamie Doran, Lorcan Donnelly, Ben Harvey and Tommy Taggert.

Manager Darren Mullen with new Signings Tommy Teggart and Ben Harvey

TWO MORE IN ON LOAN

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signings of Ben Harvey and Tommy Taggert on loan deals until the end of the 2024/25 season.

 

Harvey, 20, arrives from Loughgall, having made a number of appearances for the Villagers across both the Sports Direct Premiership and cup competitions in the first half of this season.

Highly-rated 18-year-old Taggert, like Harvey, can operate at centre-back, or central midfield, joins from Dungannon Swifts, having come through the much-heralded Dungannon United Youth system.

 

First Team Manager Darren Mullen is delighted to bring in the pair as he reshapes his squad for the remainder of the Playr-Fit Championship campaign.

“Ben comes to us with Premiership experience, but with a desire to get further game time. The coaching staff and I were well aware of his talent and I’ve no doubt his ability and versatility will be a big asset for us in the remainder of the season,” he said.

“And having spoken to [Dungannon Swifts Manager] Rodney McAree and other respected figures within the game, Tommy is a player that comes highly recommended. He can play as centre back or in the holding midfield role and has the mobility and aggression that we need in those areas.”

“Both of these signings fit exactly the profile of player that we currently need at the club. They are both versatile and can play in that defensive area where we undoubtedly need reinforcements,” added Mullen,

“They are keen to improve and I’ve no doubt that working with our coaching staff and alongside the other players at the club they will both be excellent additions.”

 

“I’m delighted to be joining Newry City AFC until the end of the season,” said Harvey.

“I can’t wait to get started and do my best to help the club push on up the league.

“I’ll see everyone at The Showgrounds soon.”

 

“I’m delighted to a join a club like Newry City AFC,” said Taggert.

“I’m hoping to come in and get minutes under my belt and help the team push up the Championship table. I’m really looking forward for the challenge ahead and can’t wait to get started.”

 

Photographs Courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography

PLAYERS TRANSFER LISTED

The following players have been made available to other clubs for transfer. Interested parties should contact the club secretary at: secretary@newrycityafc.co.uk

Ciaran O’Connor

Steven Ball

Oisin McStay

Seanna Foster

Adam Salley