NCAFC first team players Lorcan Forde and Charlie McGrath in the new Evora Cup kit

Newry City launch new Evora kit

Newry City AFC are delighted to launch our new Evora cup kit for the 2026/27 season.

 

The new cup kit continues our partnership with Evora Hospice Care, formerly known as Southern Area Hospice, which provides vital services to people across our local community.

Newry City AFC Chairman Gary Wilson commented:

“It’s fantastic to continue our link with Evora and to support and promote the fantastic service they provide.

“I would also like to thank the sponsors of this kit — Paul Feely & Associates, Exact Group, Shelbourne Bakery, Clanrye Taxis, Newry Crash Repair Centre and KDL Scaffolding. The support of these businesses enables us to continue our partnership with Evora.”

 

NCAFC first team players Lorcan Forde and Charlie McGrath in the new Evora Cup kit with Damien Hillen Director of Development at Evora

 

Damien Hillen, Director of Development at Evora, added:

“It is great to see Newry City AFC putting Evora Hospice on the front of the third kit again this year.

 

“It’s a fantastic gesture by the club and one that the team at the Hospice really appreciates. The Hospice means a lot to people across our community, so for the club to continue supporting us in this way and helping to raise awareness of the work we do is brilliant to see.”

 

The new kit will be worn for the first time in tomorrow night’s Mid-Ulster Cup fixture at home to Valley Rangers.

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan photography.

New signing Sam Kierans at The Showgrounds

Third young gun in the door

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signing of Sam Kierans, subject to international clearance.

The 18-year-old centre-back arrives having featured in pre-season and after a spell with League of Ireland sides Shelbourne.

Sam made his debut for the Shels first team earlier this year in the Leinster Senior Cup and becomes the third teenager to sign for the club today.

Manager Stuart King is delighted to add the young defender to the squad.
“Sam really wants to be here. He wants the opportunity to be around a first team squad. He’s done well in pre-season. He’s done really well in training, and he’s been involved in a few first team games,” said King.

“He’s a young boy, but his enthusiasm is a real big selling point for me. He’s got a lot of quality, is a big strapping lad and is a left-footed defender. There’s not many of them about.
“He’s got good pedigree from Shelbourne, so it was a no-brainer for me.”

“I’m buzzing to sign for Newry. Ever since I spoke to Stuart and met all the lads, it’s been great,” added Sam.
“I’m looking forward to the start of the season and beung involved.”

New signing Oisin Murray at The Showgrounds

Murray moves to The Showgrounds

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signing of Oisin Murray.

 

The 19-year-old adds depth to the goalkeeping department, having taken part in pre-season with Stuart King’s side.

He was previously a part of Cliftonville’s first team squad last season.

 

“He wanted experience of first team football and was third-choice goalkeeper at Cliftonville last season so I felt it was a no-brainer to bring him in,” said King.

“We’ve got Reece McKeown still as well, who was outstanding around the club for us last season, and the two of them will compete with Jason and push Jason as much as they can.

“Jason’s done really well for us, but he can’t sit thinking he’s number one every week. So I needed more people in behind him. We want to push him as much as we can and Reece and Oisin will do that.”

 

“It’s great to get signed with Newry,” added Murray.

“Ever since I spoke to Stuart I’ve been buzzing to get in and have enjoyed pre-season with the lads.

“I’m looking forward to a new challenge and the new season ahead.”

New loan signing Alex McAlister at The Showgrounds

McAlister joins on loan

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of Alex McAlister on a season-long loan from Larne.

 

The highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder recently spent time with English Premier League side Brentford, training with their first team.

Alex made his first team debut for Larne in 2024 before his maiden league appearance in the 2-0 home win over Cliftonville in March of this year as the Inver Park side closed in on their third Premiership title in four seasons.

 

City Manager Stuart King is delighted to welcome the young star to The Showgrounds.

 

“Our relationship with Larne is outstanding,” said King.

“Gary [Haveron, Larne Manager] and I are quite tight. We’ve got Albert Watson, their Under-20 Manager, while Keith O’Hara has worked tirelessly in the background to help us out.

“Alex has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the country. He’s been to Brentford for the last few weeks. He had numerous other clubs after him, but he feels everything about our football club can give him the experience he needs to become a top midfielder,” added King.

 

“I’m absolutely delighted we’ve got him. I genuinely think it’s a smashing move for the club. It’s great for us, but it will also put Alex in the limelight because I genuinely believe he’s going to be a really, really good player.”

 

“It’s great to get signed with Newry for the season. It’s been a long pre-season so I’m looking forward to getting started here,” said Alex, who is available for selection for tomorrow’s BOYLE Sports Championship opener away to Ballinamallard United.

 

“It’s been a great experience having been over with Brentford recently. The aim is to use what I’ve learnt there, training and playing at a high level, and bring it to my time with Newry.”

 

We would like to thank Keith O’Hara and Larne FC for their help in this deal.

First team manager Stuart King with Chairman Gary Wilson

King pens new deal

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce that First Team Manager Stuart King has signed a new two-year contract at the club.

 

Having guided the team to promotion in his first season in charge, the 45-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal to remain at The Showgrounds until at least 2028.

And on the eve of the new season, King admits it was an easy decision to make.

 

“I’m delighted to get it done. The club has been brilliant. Everything about the place is Premiership level and I want to take us back there,” he beamed.

“I loved every minute last season. There were ups and downs, but this a club is on an upward trajectory.

“I’ve managed at a higher level, but I genuinely feel like I’m wanted here, and it’s been a long time since I’ve had that. Me and my staff are delighted to stay, we’ve got a good squad together and hopefully we can keep kicking on.”

 

King, alongside Assistant Ryan Moffatt, believes his current squad can make an impact in the BOYLE Sports Championship this season.

 

“I think we’ve shown that when we played Premiership teams last season in the League Cup and even in pre-season, we’re more than capable of getting results against anybody.

“It’s just basically doing it week in, week out now in the Championship. It’s not going to be easy, we know that. But we’re a big, big football club, potentially the biggest football club in this league.

“We just have to get our head down, get as many results as we can and see where it takes us,” added King, who reserved a special mention for the loyal City supporters.

 

“I think they know how much I care. I’m here every day, doing as much work as I can to make this place as big as and good as it can be.

“We’re all in it together. I want this club to be really successful. They’ve been good to me, so I genuinely hope we can do as best we can. “Everybody is on board and the fans have been outstanding. We have the biggest support in the league. I’ve no doubt about that. Let’s just all keep driving the club forward.”

 

“We’re delighted to get Stuart tied down for another two years. He’s a real fans favourite and has been a breath of fresh air since coming to the club,” added Chairman Gary Wilson.

 

“He has strengthened the squad well in the Summer and we’ll certainly be competitive in the Championship this season.

“I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with him again and keep moving in the right direction.

 

“It’s a reward for the job he has done to date and the hard work he puts in every day. It also ensures stability moving forward and we’re confident that the future is bright for the club.”