Following Newry City AFC Reserves fantastic cup final win, Newrycityafc.co.uk caught up with Manager Gary Redpath and each team member to get their reactions on the big win.
Gary Redpath To me, it’s all about the development of all of our young players giving them the belief and confidence to fulfil their potential and with the right attitude go on to play for Newry at the highest level. This was evident on Friday night as we went a goal down but continued to play our football throughout and the lads were duly rewarded for their efforts. They have trained hard all season and their fitness levels combined with their footballing ability shone through to bring a well-deserved trophy back to the Showgrounds. On behalf of all at Newry City AFC, I would like to thank a well organised Banbridge Rangers team for making this a memorable final. Finally a huge thank you to the rest of the Reserves coaching staff; Kevin, Stevie and Marty and also our unwavering travelling supporters along with the lads behind the scenes at NCAFC.
Stefan Martin
I’m unbelievably proud to be the first player to lift a trophy for the newly reformed Newry City. It meant the world to me and it’s something il never forget. The management have been fantastic this season and it’s shown by winning the Wilmor Johnston cup. Personally id like to thank them for everything they’ve done thus far this season. Couldn’t have done it without them.
Joe Campbell
Really means a lot to be part of the team winning for the first trophy under the newly formed club. Hope there’s many more to come. Delighted for Gary, Kevin, Stevey and Marty as their hard work and faith in a young team paid off. It was definitely the biggest game I’ve won in my life and I’m still buzzing! Plus, a mention must go to the fans travelling down to watch and cheer on the boys. Unbelievable.
Graeme Edgar
It was great to be able to play a part in bringing home the first piece if silverware to Newry city AFC. It speaks volumes about the management team and just how far the club as a whole has come in the space if 8/9 months, hopefully it’s the first of many trophies for the club!
Joel Annett
Friday night was definitely a night to remember for me and the rest of the boys, we worked together from start to finish and each player gave 100% to win. I am very proud to say I was part of the first team to bring a trophy back to Newry City AFC and I am equally happy and grateful for the management who always give 100% into supporting and believing us, just as they did on Friday night.
Mark Lowry
I don’t actually know what to say, winning the cup final was unbelievable and the way we won it goes to show that there is a great bunch of lads who never give up no matter what and the management have done a fantastic job.
Shane Lundy
It is an honour to be part of the first ever NCAFC cup winning team. To win the game the way we did showed how much character the team has to never give up. Yet again the fans showed their loyalty throughout the game. It will stick with me for life and hopefully there will be more big games to come.
Micheál Hastewell
It is a privilege to play for my home club and to be a part of the first winning team to bring a trophy back to the Showgrounds as the newly formed NCAFC. I would personally like to thank the management staff, especially Gary & Kevin who have done a lot of work behind the scenes to get us where we are today.
Andy McLarty
I am very proud to be able to say I play for Newry City AFC Reserves and that I helped bring the first trophy back to the Showgrounds. It wouldn’t have possible without the hard work of every single player and especially the hard work of our management staff; Gary, Kevin, Marty and Steve who have supported us all the way. It is definitely an occasion that I will never forget and I hope it is the first of many trophies I will be involved in bringing back to the Showgrounds. P.s, Moyes would need to watch his place a MUFC as Redpath is on fire!
Sean Mooney
Well done to the teams management Gary, Kevin, Steven and Marty. I am proud to say that I am part of the first team to win a trophy as NCAFC. Well done to the team as well, we pulled together at the right time.
Cian Feehan
It’s great to be part of the history books as the first NCAFC team to have won a trophy. such a way to win it, and glad to have done it with fellow Newry men. its well deserved and was a great cup run. thanks to the management for sticking with us with some great tactical moves along the way, such as the formation change in the final which changed the game.
Chris Hughes
It’s a great privilege to make history winning the first cup of the new NCAFC era, this season has been particular hard on me due to injuries and this made it all worth it, also I’d like the thank all the management for giving me an opportunity for being part of the club, Also a massive thank you to Gary Redpath who was a major reason why I decided to come back and play football after my injury.
Josh Durnin: I am so proud to be part of the team winning NCAFCs first trophy, it meant a lot to me given I am so young compared to the rest of the boys so I am very grateful that Gary and the boys gave me a chance.
Pictures from the match are now available on the MUFL Website: https://www.flickr.com/photos/muflphotos/13556177284/in/set-72157643249445815