The NCAFC Travel club’s bus to Fivemiletown this Saturday (3rd Jan) will leave Stonebridge at 12pm. All welcome.
Category: News
Fans in focus: Santa Claus
Name: Santa Claus
Age: Questionable.
How long have you followed Newry?
I think it was St Stephen’s Day 1923. I happened to be passing after a particularly busy day’s work.
Best Memory?
Oh, has to be St Patrick’s Day 2001 at Windsor Park. Dean Fitzgerald and Gary McPhee (2) scored in a 3-1 victory over the mighty Linfield, Champions and runaway League leaders. Christmas came early that year.
Funniest Moment?
How long have you got? Perhaps when a visit from Linfield had a dedicated supporter on duty behind their dugout. When it came to half time he (Aggro) looked David Jeffrey in the eye and delivered the following in a Mid-West American drawl………“terrible language for a Preacher Man”. The great one beamed broadly as he headed down the tunnel. It could well have been the day Bo Willis scored, even though he was 14 miles offside. Then there was an evening when The Goog almost took out a Flybe plane over The Oval when he ballooned one from 40 yards. You couldn’t make it up.
Favourite Player?
Well, Ollie Ralph is, for some reason, more popular in Newry than my good self. I have a soft spot for flawed talent: Sean Friars, Lee Feeney, Alan Davidson, come to mind and I’m very proud when one of my little elves pulls on the shirt: Austy Friel, Wee Marty Havern, Rambo Hughes. Among our best helpers have been Gavin Dykes, Robbie Casey, Richard Clarke and my own favourite, Dee Curran.
Favourite Ground to visit?
Always enjoyed the Social at Swallytude, I don’t raise as many eyebrows there, but a trip to Stangmore Park was usually eventful. The January evening we came from 2 goals down to win 6-4. Mickey Collins grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and galvanised us. He scored a goal early in the 2nd half before getting a straight red and having a spat with the locals – The ultimate Bad Santa. The unbridled joy when Captain Marvel secured the win remains a cherished memory. Rudolph is no fan of 3G so he has been delighted with some of the grazing available at Intermediate level. Laurelvale and Broomhedge are among his favourites.
What is special about Newry?
The fact that after all the false prophets a band of brothers and sisters came together to prevent their club being relegated into the footballing history books. We also have the great gift of being able to laugh at ourselves.
Thoughts on the future?
Believe. We all believe, don’t we?
Manager’s corner (20.12.14)
As we approach the end of 2015 it is time to reflect on what has been a terrific year for the club. During the year the Senior team has won the league title, the reserve team have won their cup, the ladies team have won a domestic double while also getting to the Irish Cup final, the new skills school was set up and the youth academy is thriving. Sometimes it is easy to forget how far we have come in such a short space of time. Those within the club know the difficulties we have faced but through sheer hard work and determination we are starting to see the fruit of a our labours. There is still a huge amount of work to be done both on and off the pitch but those involved deserve great credit.
It has also been a sad year at times as we have lost club stalwarts and former players in Peter Woods, Tommy O’Hanlon and most recently Billy McVicar. These people have all played their part in the club over the years and will be sadly missed.
In terms of the current season it has not been the start we would have wished for. We have had some good cup runs but the league has always been the priority. Our Irish Cup game away to Portstewart showed that we are capable of competing at a higher level. Unfortunately that display was not replicated in our league game away to Ballymacash and has made our promotion bid more difficult. It is a very competitive league and whilst we have given ourselves a mountain to climb there is a long way to go and we will fight for every remaining point. The coaching staff are well aware of what is required to take the club forward and we are working extremely hard to make that happen.
Finally, on behalf of the club, I would like to wish all our fans, sponsors and members a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. Hopefully we can continue to bring them the success that their magnificent support deserves.
Yours in Sport,
Darren
Sad News
It is with very deep sorrow and great sadness that we report the death in the early hours of Wednesday morning of former Newry Town/City FC Secretary and Chairman Billy McVicker.
Billy’s first administrative role in football was as Secretary of The Carnbane League and during the 1969-70 season when he was co-opted to a similar position on The Town management committee.
A short time afterwards he was elected Chairman, a position he held for a number of years.
He also represented the club at the I.F.A. and the M.U.F.A for a number of years and was also Secretary of the MUFA for a lengthy period.
Deepest sympathy and condolences to his loving Wife and the entire McVicker family.
Billy’s funeral service is to be held in Newry Methodist Church this coming Friday.
Meet the players: Josh Durnin
Name: Josh Durnin
Age: 17
Occupation: Student
Position: Midfield
Previous Clubs: Lisdrum Celtic, Sunnyside and Bellurgan
Honours: Lisburn U14 League & U15 Cup winners. Top county with Armagh in the 2014 Milk Cup.
Footballing Hero: Paul Scholes
What is the best ground you have played in? Riada in Ballymoney
Who is the joker of the team? Ian Curran
Apart from yourself who is the best player on the team? Jimmy Walker
Who is the laziest player in the team? I wouldn’t say that anybody is lazy.
Your toughest opponent? Jordan Thompson – Manchester United u17s.
Who is the best player you have ever played with? Andrew Hoey, who I played with for the Armagh U17 team in the Milk Cup.
If u had a super power what would it be? To hit the ball like Ronaldo.
What is your goal at Newry? To help Newry win as many trophies as I can.