Newry City AFC are delighted to announce that two of our brightest young local talents have signed their first professional contracts with the club.

Midfield duo Charlie McGrath (18) and Dylan McKevitt (17) have put pen to paper on deals that will keep them at The Showgrounds until the end of the 2028/29 season, having progressed through the club’s Academy.

McGrath, from Ballyholland, has already made 27 appearances for the First Team, scoring his first competitive goal for the club in last season’s Premier Intermediate League victory away to Lisburn Distillery.

Killeavy native McKevitt made his Senior debut in this season’s Mid-Ulster Cup and has regularly been part of Stuart King’s matchday squads since the Manager took over in the summer of 2025.

Newry City AFC First Team Manager Stuart King expressed his delight at securing the futures of two of the club’s most promising young players.

“I’m delighted to get these two lads tied down and committed to the club for the long term,” said King.

“They have the potential to be top-level players and this shows the pathway from the club’s Academy to the First Team. I must credit all their coaches throughout their time in the Academy and the direction set by our Academy Director, Damien Hillen.

“It shows the progress, not only on the field, but also all the exciting things happening behind the scenes that the lads want to be a part of. We are now protecting both the interests of the young players and the club.

“I expect both Charlie and Dylan to keep improving and further their development into becoming regular First Team starters.”

Academy Director Damien Hillen believes the signings are an important milestone for the club and its commitment to developing local talent.

“I’m delighted to see Charlie and Dylan sign their first professional contracts. It is a fantastic achievement for both lads and a proud moment for everyone in our Academy. It is a clear demonstration of the pathway we are building for local players,” said Hillen.

“I also want to acknowledge Windmill Stars FC and Lisdrum Youth FC for the important role they played in the lads’ early development.

The players themselves are equally excited about what the future holds in the blue and white stripes.

“I’m delighted to have signed a professional contract with my hometown club,” said Charlie.

“Having progressed through the Academy, I’m proud to have an opportunity to push on even further. It’s a big step in my football career and I’m grateful to Stuart and the Board for putting their trust in me.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard to develop as a player and hopefully help our club get back to where we belong.”

 

“I’m delighted to sign a professional contract with the club,” added Dylan.

“Having been here since the age of 13, it means a lot to now have the opportunity to take the next step into senior football with my hometown club.

 

“I’m grateful to everyone at the club who has helped me along the way, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, working hard and giving everything I can to help the team.”

 

Newry City AFC Chairman Gary Wilson added:

“This is a very proud moment for everyone at the club.

“To see two local lads progress through our Academy and earn their first professional contracts with the club is a fantastic achievement and testament to their hard work, commitment and dedication.

“Developing young local talent is a hugely important part of what we want to achieve at the club, and Charlie and Dylan are excellent examples of what can be accomplished through our Academy pathway.

“I’d like to congratulate both players, as well as acknowledge the coaches and everyone who has played a part in their development.

“We look forward to continuing to support them in their careers, and hopefully these signings will inspire other young players that they too can progress through the ranks and represent the club at Senior level.”

 

Photographed First team management Stuart King & Ryan Moffatt, players Charlie McGrath & Dylan McKevitt along with Academy Director Damien Hillen and Chairman Gary Wilson.

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.