We are delighted to announce that the playing and coaching staff of Newry City AFC have raised £800 for Barry Trainor’s ‘Friends of Africa’ charity. The players and coaches raised the money by taking part in ‘Octobeard’, which required them to go unshaven for the month of October.

Barry is a former youth coach with the club and has been doing great work with the charity over the past six years.

Senior team manager Darren Mullen was only too happy to help out Barry and his charity. Darren said: “I’m sure some wives and girlfriends were glad to see the end of the month. This money will be put to great use by Barry who does tremendous work in his voluntary role and we are glad to have helped him with his worthy cause.”

Barry was overwhelmed by the generosity of the Newry lads. He said: “I’d like to thank the Newry management and players for their amazing effort in raising money for African orphans by growing beards for the entire month of October. The money will be used to buy food, medicine and clothes for hundreds of children living on the streets in the City of Kitwe, Zambia.”

“The spirit and camaraderie of this Newry team extends far beyond the football pitch because they’ve helped to give a lot of children the chance of a better life. Thanks so much to Darren, his coaching staff and players for their amazing generosity.”

However, Barry’s fundraising doesn’t stop here and donations are always welcome. If you would like to contribute, you can do so by contacting Barry on 0752 5652 537.