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.”

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.”

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.

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of Andrew Hoey.

The 29-year-old arrives at The Showgrounds following a short spell at Dundela, having spent a number of successful years at Loughgall.

The midfielder previously had spells at Glenavon and Armagh City earlier in his career and adds a wealth of experience from playing in both the Premiership and Championship.

Hoey becomes our fifth signing of the Summer, following Ryan Swan, Caolan Marron, Lorcan Forde and Pablo Andrade.

“When I first spoke to Stuarty, he told me about how much of a family club Newry is. I can’t wait to get in, meet all the lads and get going,” Andy said.

“I know from playing against Newry, the support has always been unbelievable and hopefully I’ll get that backing from them when I pull on the shirt.

“I can’t wait to get started for the new season and hopefully have a successful season.”

“Andy is someone that I’ve tried to sign previously in the Premiership and I’m delighted to have got him this time,” said Manager Stuart King.

“He’s a creative player who will provide assists and score goals from midfield.

“Andy will improve us. He’s a talented lad and I look forward to working with him and getting him back to his best.”

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography