Author: Sean McKevitt

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

Youth Development Officer offically announced

Newry City AFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Conlon Morrison as its new Youth Development Officer.

Conlon Morrison
Conlon Morrison

Conlon is a former youth international and played for Bessbrook, Dungannon Swifts and Windmill Stars during his career. He was part of the Windmill Stars panel that won the Junior Cup along with Senior Team manager Darren Mullen.

Conlon is currently involved with the U13 team and has recently set up the new skills school which runs on Friday night. As part of his role he will be responsible for the formation of new teams at each age group ensuring the proper coaching staff are in place.

“I am delighted to have someone of Conlons knowledge and capabilities on board at the club”, said Senior Team manager Darren Mullen.

“I’ve known Conlon for the past 25 years and was lucky enough to play in the same team as him. His enthusiasm and passion for the role have already shone through and he has made some very good progress in the short time he has been in the role.

“As with the Senior team things will be done in the right manner with the correct people on board and hopefully with Conlons assistance we will have a regular feed from youth level right through to the senior squad.”

Newry City AFC presents ‘Octobeard’

During the month of October the Newry City AFC senior squad, management, coaching staff and some supporters are taking part in ‘Octobeard’ – which requires them to go unshaven for the full month! This is to raise money for Barry Trainor’s ‘Children of Africa’ fund.

Senior Team Manager Darren Mullen and
Newry City AFC Senior Team Manager Darren Mullen and Barry Trainor

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

Senior Team Manager Darren Mullen was only too happy to help Barry in his quest for funding.

“I’ve known Barry a while now and he’s one of the nicest lads you could meet. What he does within this charity is absolutely incredible and if we can help in any small way then it will certainly be worthwhile.

“It’s also good for team spirit within the squad and I’m sure there will be plenty of banter along with a few dodgy looking characters over the next month. The lads had no hesitation in agreeing to the idea which shows the unity within the group. Hopefully people will contribute to the cause.”

The rules of ‘Octobeard’ are simple! You grow out your beard in the month of October. If you already have hair on your face, you have to shave it clean and start fresh. You then do everything you can to get donations rolling in!

All players, coaches and supporters taking part will have a sponsor form from now until the end of October with the aim to raise as much funds as possible for Barry and his charity. Please give generously as Barry will be returning to Africa to work voluntary with disadvantaged children.

Make sure to keep an eye out on our website for regular updates on how the ‘unshaven’ are coping with the challenge.

Reserve your bid on auction items

Newry City AFC are holding a fundraising night on Saturday 28th September at the Canal Court Hotel.

The night will include an auction with many attractive items on offer for sport lovers. If you would like to put a reserve bid on any of the following auction items, contact Decky McParland on deckydan@hotmail.co.uk or 07971134624.

 

Ballyvea FC U13 0-3 Newry City AFC U13

Ballyvea FC U13 0-3 Newry City AFC U13

Sean McConville 40mins, Joseph Connolly (pen) 42mins & Tiarnan Murphy 53mins

Newry, after an excellent start to the season had to fight hard but claimed all three points against a battling Ballyvea side in Kilkeel Friday evening.

In what can only be described as a scrappy first half Newry struggled to control the game like they had in their previous two matches. Goal chances were few and far between with Newry coming out on top in the first half on count back of attempts. Half time came with the teams tied at 0-0.

Newry’s second half performance was an improvement on the first and they were rewarded on the 40th minute with a goal scored by Sean McConville.  From the kickoff Newry regained possession and attacked the opposition area where a goal bound shot was handled by a Ballyvea defender. A penalty was awarded and expertly dispatched into the top corner by Joseph Connolly making the score line 2-0.

To Ballyvea’s credit they continued to battle and but for some resolute defending by an excellent back four, might have had a goal that could’ve instigated a comeback.

It wasn’t to be for Ballyvea and the result was confirmed for Newry in the 53rd minute when Tiarnan Murphy cut in from the left wing and slotted into the far corner for his fifth goal in three games.

Newry will gladly take the three points from this tough encounter and move on. In their next league game they face a strong Windmill Stars side and Newry will have to bring their “A” game if they are to continue their brilliant start to the season.

Meet The Players: Neil Barr

In our latest player catch up, we spoke with Newry City AFC leading goalscorer Neil Barr. Neil, who has been involved in the club for several years has netted two competitive hat tricks so far this season with a third hat trick in a friendly game. Neil has scored 7 league goals so far this season and looks to add to his tally when the team get back to league action.

 

Name: Neil Barr

Age: 22

Previous clubs: Parkview, Midway United, Glenavon and Camlough rovers

Honours: Umbro International Cup, Runner-up in the Dunluce Trophy at the Milk Cup, Carnbane League: 1st division

Position: Striker

Footballing hero: Steven Gerrard or Robbie Fowler

If you could take 3 celebrities to dinner who would they be and why? Cheryl Cole, pure babe. Steven Gerrard to talk about Istanbul in 2005 and finally Lee Evans for a good old laugh.

Whats the best ground you have played in? Windsor Park

What would you like to achieve by the time you hang up your boots? Hopefully play a part in getting Newry back to the Premiership and win some trophies along the way.

Who is the joker of the team? Niall Crilly

Who is the best at training? Sean Hand or Shane Lundy

Who has the worst dress sense? Chrissy Hughes

One song that gets you pumped up for a match? Avicii – Levels

Who is the best player you have ever played? Alot of people may see this coming but its definitely my dad Jim Barr, very easy to play with and learnt so much from him.

What one word would best describe you as a footballer? Passionate

And finally…a word for the fans? keep the brilliant support going “YOU’RE SIMPLY THE BEST”