Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signings of defenders Jamie Rea and Jamie O’Flaherty.

The pair become Manager Stuart King’s second and third new signings of the January transfer window, following the arrival of midfielder Cillian Kavanagh.

 

28-year-old Jamie Rea arrives from Sports Direct Premiership Portadown, having enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Loughgall, where he made almost 200 appearances, winning the Championship title in 2022/23.

“When I met with Stuarty, I really liked what he said,” says Rea, who has also played for Ards and Glenavon.

‘I’m hoping to get a lot of game time. The club’s looking to do well, they’re looking to get promoted. It’s a competitive league and I just want to play my football again, to enjoy football again, and I feel like that’s going to happen here.”

 

Jamie O’Flaherty will be a familiar face to Newry fans, having made 22 appearances for the club last season, before moving to Warrenpoint Town in the Summer.

“I’m delighted to be back down,” said the 22-year-old Ballyholland man.

“I want to play as much football as I can and try and help the team as much as possible.

“Promotion is the first aim, but definitely we want to try and win the league. I think that’s what all the boys are aiming for and you can sense that.”

 

Stuart King

“They’re two quality players and both have played at a higher level,” said Manager Stuart King.

“I’m delighted and it’s two big signings of real quality. It kicks us on even more.

“Jamie O’Flaherty’s a local lad who knows this club inside out, and in Jamie Rea, you’ve got somebody who’s played in the Premiership plenty of time times and was part of a really successful Championship winning side as well, with a lot of goals.

“I especially want to thank Portadown FC and Niall Currie for their professionalism and co-operation with the Jamie Rea deal.”

 

“I’m aiming to bring in people who are better than what we have, that’s the way we’re going to drive this place forward.

“The club’s working so hard behind the scenes. They’ve been really good to me, they see the progression and to keep progressing, we need better players. So, I’ll always be looking out for better players to make this club better.”

 

Both players will be available for selection for Saturday’s Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League clash away to Ballyclare Comrades.

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of Cillian Kavanagh, subject to international clearance.

 

The 19-year-old midfielder previously had spells at both Dundalk and Shelbourne in the League of Ireland and becomes Stuart King’s first signing of the January transfer window.

 

“It’s been nothing but easy coming up, Stuart and the staff have been really nice and the lads have been absolute gentlemen as well, so it’s been really easy fitting in,” says Kavanagh, who has been training with the first team squad for a number of weeks.

“I can’t wait to get started, I can’t put it into words to be honest. I was actually up watching the Linfield game and I saw the fans and that has given me the buzz to come and play here. I can’t wait until January.”

 

“I’m delighted to get Cillian in. He’s been training with us for a few weeks now and he’s been really good,” adds first team Manager Stuart King.

“He’s played a couple of behind closed door friendlies and he’s stood out. He’s got real quality, is so good on the ball and has really stood out in training.

“Cillian has really embraced this opportunity and he really wants it. He can see where we’re trying to get to and he wants to be a part of it.”

 

Cillian will be eligible to play when the transfer window opens, subject to clearance.

NCAFC Manager is pleased to bring another local player to The Showgrounds in Darren Doherty.

The 18 year old striker Doherty arrives having previously been with Warrenpoint Town and Windmill Stars FC.

 

“Darren comes in to add to our forward panel. He comes highly recommended and is another local lad,” said First Team Manager Stuart King.

“When I took over at Newry I wanted the best local players playing for us and Darren comes into that category.”

 

“I am buzzing to be here at Newry City AFC.” Said Doherty.

“I am just looking forward to getting some minutes, improving every game, and doing my bit to help get the club back up the leagues where it should be.”

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the triple signing of Jack Kelly, Keith Dalton and Manuel Kaguako.

 

19-year-old midfielder Kelly arrives having previously been with Carrick Rangers and then a brief spell at Aquinas.

“Jack is someone that I have worked with before. He has massive potential and a willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed,” said First Team Manager Stuart King.

“Technically he is great and has really impressed me in pre-season.”

 

 

Dalton, who previously played for Dundalk, Bohemians, Cabinteely and Bray Wanderers in the League of Ireland, can operate out wide or in an attacking midfield role.

“Keith has come in pre-season and has really impressed. He has played at a high level and is different to a lot of what is in the squad,” feels King.

“He can be an out and out wide player or be really creative linking play between midfield and our forwards.”

 

 

 

After coming through the Dundalk Academy and at Drogheda United, Kaguako has had spells playing in both the USA and Austria and is comfortable anywhere in defence.

“Manny has come in during pre-season and has looked very assured in different positions,” says King.

“His attitude has impressed me and his desire to play and get the opportunity has stood out. He is quick, technically very good and strong in individual battles.”

 

 

 

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography