Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of Aaron Donnelly from Dundalk.

 

The highly-rated striker, who turns 19 next month, becomes Manager Stuart King’s fifth signing of the January transfer window so far, following Cillian Kavanagh, Jamie Rea, Jamie O’Flaherty and Albert Watson to The Showgrounds.

Donnelly has been a regular feature for Dundalk Under-20s and was also the Lilywhites’ Under-17 side’s top goalscorer in 2024.

 

“I’m delighted to get Aaron on board,” said King.

“He’s a striker who is different to what we have. Aaron’s been training with us and has also been doing pre-season with Dundalk’s first team. He’s sharp and looks to get shots off early.

 

“I’d like to place on record my thanks to Shane Grimes, Neil Adair and all at Dundalk Football Club for their help. The relationship between the clubs is a good one and it’s something we hope to build on further in the future,” King added.

 

“I’m glad to finally get signed having been in training with the lads over the last couple of weeks. I’m ready to kick on now in January and try to get the club back up into the Championship,” said Donnelly.

“I think this move will be a new challenge for me, but it’s a challenge I’m ready for and I’m looking forward to getting in now and getting started.”

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of Albert Watson.

The vastly experienced centre-back joins the club from Championship side Armagh City, for whom he made 21 appearances in the current 2025/26 campaign.

 

Watson arrives at The Showgrounds with over 700 club appearances to his name in a hugely successful career, having won the Irish Premiership title at both Linfield and Larne. Beginning his career with Ballymena United, Albert then moved to Windsor Park, picking up the League and Irish Cup double in the 2011/2012 season.

A move to Canada saw him selected in the North American Soccer League Team of the Season twice while playing for FC Edmonton. After a short spell with Icelandic side KR, Albert returned to play for Ballymena before joining Larne, winning three successive County Antrim Shields as well as the Premiership title in 2023.

 

Current City boss Stuart King then brought Watson to Carrick before he moved to Armagh last Summer.

“Albert is a massive signing for us,” says King.

“He’s a born winner, has played at the highest level and his leadership qualities will inspire others. Albert will demand the best from everyone. He’s a friend and someone I have worked with in the Premiership and I have no doubt he’ll have a hugely positive impact for us.

“I’d like to place on record my thanks to Armagh City for facilitating this transfer, as well as to our board, and especially our sponsors, in helping get this over the line.”

 

Watson himself is looking forward to getting started at The Showgrounds and working under a Manager he knows very well.

“I’m delighted to sign for Newry City AFC,” he said.

“I want to enjoy my football and this gives me the best chance to have the biggest impact on a team. I know Stuart very well and have the utmost respect for him. He’s a winner and I want to be involved in that with Newry.”

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.”