Author: Sean McKevitt

Sean is an avid supporter of Newry City AFC and will be bringing you all the latest news from the club.

City announce four new signings

Photo above: City boss Darren Mullen welcomes two of the club’s new signings Keith Johnston and Paddy Magill to the club

Newry City has announced four new signings to the club ahead of the coming season. Strikers Keith Johnston and Sean McMullan have agreed terms to join the club from Orchard City and Warrenpoint Town respectively, left back Paddy Magill has signed from Camlough Rovers while the club have welcomed back experienced central defender Paul Donegan for a third spell at the club.

Speaking to newrycityafc.co.uk, City boss Darren Mullen expressed his delight at the new signings.

“All four lads bring quality and experience in abundance to the squad,” Darren said.

“Three of the lads have already won the Intermediate A league, the league that we will be competing in next season. It shows the progress we are making that we can attract these players to the club but we know the hard work starts in pre-season all over again.

“We already had a strong squad but it’s always good to bring fresh faces into the club. Sean and Keith both enjoyed great success playing together up front for Warrenpoint and I’ve no doubt they will continue that success with us.

“Paddy has been one of the best left backs around for the past five seasons and will give us strength down that left side. Paul has returned for his third spell with the club and brings a wealth of experience that we will need moving forward.

“We are still a very young developing team but these signings give us a great boost going into the new season.”

Newrycityafc.co.uk caught up with all four lads at the weekend to get their reactions to signing with the club:

Paul Donegan

doneganFirstly it’s great to back at Newry. I am very proud to play for my hometown club. Anyone who knows me, especially the ones I work close with on a daily basis will stand testament to this, I’m very fortunate to play for the team I support.

I think it’s great timing for both myself and the club. I’ve still a lot to offer on the pitch and it’ll be great to be back at Newry as a relatively more senior player. I also think the addition of myself, Mully, Jonsy and Paddy to what is already a strong team, can match any side at this level and bring Irish league football back to the Showgrounds where the club rightfully belongs!

I personally would like to win a few trophies this season. My most enjoyable season at Newry was the year we were in the Championship and won the Mid Ulster and Intermediate cups. I hope to emulate that in the coming seasons. These are the things as a player you can look back on with pride in later years.

Sean McMullan

seanmcmullanI’m delighted to have signed for such a great club. I intend to do my best to help push the club back to where it belongs in the Irish league.

It was a hard decision to leave my own club after 24 years playing at youth and senior level but I can honestly say that Newry is the only club I would have left Warrenpoint for.

It’s been a while since I’ve had a decent run of games so I can’t wait to get started. Hopefully the Newry supporters will take to me because the one thing I will always give is 100% when I take to the field! 

Keith Johnston

keithjI’m delighted to be back playing at the Showgrounds. I fully enjoyed my first spell at the club and I can’t wait get going again. With the quality in the squad there’s no reason why we can’t get promoted back into the Irish League. 

 

Paddy Magill

paddymagillI’m delighted to be back at the club and can’t wait to get playing. The Intermidate A league has some strong sides but with the strength in depth at Newry there’s no reason why we can’t win this league. I just can’t wait to get started.

AGM time change

**Please note the AGM will be held at 7PM and NOT 8pm as originally planned.

Paid up members of Newry City AFC are invited to the 1st Annual general meeting of the club. Please note that this meeting is not open to the public but confined to members of Newry City AFC only.
Date : Thursday 19th June 2014
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: The Club Rooms, Newry Showgrounds, Greenbank Industrial Estate, Newry
Agenda to include: Chairman’s Report, Financial Report, Election of Committee, AOB

2014/2015 Pre-season friendlies announced

Newry City AFC will commence training for the 2014/2015 season on June 30th, before playing the first of their pre-season friendlies on July 15th at home to Banbridge Town.

The full list of of pre-season fixtures is as follows:

Tuesday 15th July, home to Banbridge Town, 7.30 ko
Saturday 19th July, Armagh Rovers at Holm Park, 1.15 ko (Armagh City tournament)
Tuesday 22nd July, home to Warrenpoint Town, 7.30 ko
Saturday 26th July, Armagh City at Holm Park, ko 3.15 (Armagh City tournament)
Tuesday 29th July, away to Rathfriland, 7.30 ko
Saturday 2nd August, home to Donegal Celtic, 2.30 ko

(Any amendments to the pre-season friendlies will be posted on the website)

NCAFC Youth presentation night coming up

by Conlon Morrison 

Newry City AFC Youth presentation will be held on Friday 27th June 2014 at 8 pm in the Lounge. Senior players, Management Committee, Parents, family members and friends are all invited.

The schedule for the evening is a follows:
8:00pm – Arrive and refreshments
8:15pm – Under 12 Presentations
8:30pm – Under 13 Presentations
8:45 pm – Under 15 Presentations
9.00 pm – Under 17 Presentations
9:15pm – Coaches Photos
9:30pm – Thank all concerned and clarify next year’s plans
9:45 – Complete

Senior squad trials on Tues June 24th

Newry City AFC are holding an open trial for the senior squad at 7.30pm on Tuesday the 24th June down at The Showgrounds. All those interested must contact Sean on 07519888849 or Laura on 07857077176 before then to register their name, age and position.

Newrycityafc.co.uk caught up with City boss Darren Mullen earlier today, who had this to say about the trials:

“This is a great opportunity for players to show their talents and get a chance to play for Newry City AFC. We added 7 players from last years trial game to the senior squad which proves it is a worthwhile exercise. If you are good enough and are willing to commit to the philosophies we are instilling at the club then it is a chance not to be ignored.”