Author: Sean McKevitt

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

NCAFC raise £800 for Friends of Africa

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.”

friendsofafrica
The £800 that the club raised will be used to buy food, medicine and clothes for these kids and hundreds of others living in Kitwe, Zambia.

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.

Fans in focus: Brian Ferris

Name: Brian Ferris.

Age: 62 years old.

How long have you supported Newry? The first ever game I was at was when I was seven, but I’ve been following the club seriously about 40 years now.

How did you come about supporting the club?  My Father and Billy Cartmill started taking me to games.

Your favourite ever player? The genius that is Ollie Ralph.

Favourite current player? Chris McMahon.

Best memory supporting the club? Winning the Co. Antrim Shield.

Funniest moment supporting the club? Getting told to get down off  a tin roof over the tannoy at the Showgrounds, a long time ago.

Favourite ground you’ve visited and why? Ferney Park, Ballinamallard. Always nice and friendly.

How many games have you been to this season? All so far except for away to Coleraine Reserves.

What is it you like most about following Newry? All the friends I’ve made at the Club, plus knowing it is 100% cross community.

Hopes for the future? Promotion back to where we belong, the Premiership.

Fans in focus: Kevin Ruddy

Name: Kevin Ruddy.

Age: 30.

How long have you supported Newry? I have been supporting Newry for the last 16 years and I hope for more to come.

How did you come about supporting the club? I started going to games with my cousin who is a life long Newry fan.

Your favourite ever player? My favourite ever player would have to be Stuart McLean, he gave everything on the pitch for the team.

Favourite current player? It would have to be Joel Annett. He is very similar to McLean, he gives his all for the team.

Best memory supporting the club? My best memory of supporting the club was the game against Distillery to win the 1998 First Division title.

Funniest moment supporting the club? My funniest moment at the club was when I done an interview for the match day programme and they called me the little drummer boy. I still can’t live that one down!

Favourite ground you’ve visited and why? My favourite ground after the showgrounds would have to be Glenavon’s Mourneview Park.

What is it you like most about following Newry? I like to follow Newry as I am from the Town and I like their style of football, it’s easy on the eye. I also like the all round atmosphere at the club, which is why I am very proud to say I support the my local club.

Hopes for the future? My hopes for the future is that the club can get back to where it belongs in the top flight of Irish League football, passing Warrenpoint Town along the way.

Bellurgan U12 3 – 3 Newry City U12

The newly founded Newry City FC U12 team made the short trip to Dundalk to play their first ever game against Bellurgan Utd U12 in a friendly game. City got off to a great start, opening the scoring on 15 mins when Oran Campbell slotted home. City took control and should have went further ahead but Bellurgan drew level with a 10 yard drive into the net shortly before the interval.

newryu12_2City went 2-1 up early in the second half, Oran Campbell grabbed his second goal of the game when he rounded the keeper and fired home. Bellurgan got back on level terms though on 45 minutes, somewhat against the run of play. This young City team showed great team spirit to take the lead once more though when Jack Jennings hit a fierce drive from 15 yards into the roof of net.  Bellurgan drew level for the third time when they found the back of the net on 55 minutes. The match finished 3-3 and the City Coaching team were delighted with the team performance from this young side in their first ever match.

The Newry City AFC u12 side are still recruiting players for the season ahead. Any interest parties are asked to contact Conlon Morrison on Mobile:  07919592943 or email: conlon@newrycityafc.co.uk.

Friendly match on Tuesday night

There is a friendly match at home on Tuesday night (19th Nov) against The Northern Ireland Over 40 team. It will involve the remainder of the squad that didn’t play on Friday night. The match could also see Graeme Edgar play some part against his Dad Dessie who is a member of the NI Over 40 team. There will also be guest appearances for the Over 40s from Darren Mullen, Raymond Byrne and Mickey Keenan! Kick off is at 7.30pm and admission is free.