Category: Senior

Ryan McGivern Retires

After 114 appearances for the club, Ryan McGivern has announced his retirement.
Ryan won the FA Youth Cup with Manchester City in 2008, Ryan went on to make his Premier League debut for the club in 2011.
He played for Hibernian in the Scottish Cup Final defeat to Celtic in 2013 before returning to Northern Ireland in 2011 to sign for Linfield.
Ryan then put pen to paper at Newry in 2021, helping them club to the Championship title in the 2021/2022 season, also winning the Mid-Ulster Cup in 2023.
On the international front, he made his debut for Northern Ireland in 2008, going on to make 26 appearances for his country.
Newry City AFC Chairman Darren Mullen commented: “From the first minute Ryan walked into The Showgrounds he has been a model professional and a joy to deal with.
“In our initial discussions he expressed his desire to play for his hometown club and hopefully win some silverware. Thankfully he did that and we will be forever grateful for his contributions during his playing time at the club.
“Hopefully we continue to see Ryan at the club in some coaching capacity and wish him all the best in his coaching career.”
A final message from Ryan….
“It’s been such a privilege to be able to finish my career with my hometown club.
“The last 4 seasons have been full of ups and downs and although the last couple have been difficult for everyone, I have no doubt the club is in the right hands and will make its way back to where it belongs and what the best and most loyal fans in the country deserve.
“Thank you to everyone; from managers, coaches, staff behind the scenes and all the amazing volunteers who make this club so special.
“It has been a pleasure.💙“
Everyone at the club would like to thank Ryan for his contribution to our success at Newry City AFC and we wish him well for the future.
A popular figure both on and off the pitch, Ryan will always be welcome at The Showgrounds.
U21 Reserve Manager Jonathan Scott

Scott joins as Reserve Team Manager

Newry City AFC are pleased to welcome Jonny Scott to The Showgrounds as U21 Reserve team Manager.

 

First Team Assistant Manager Ryan Moffatt, Reserve Manager Jonathan Scott, First Team Manager Stuart King

 

Having previous experience with both Crusaders and Portadown and currently part of the coaching staff for the County Down Junior team at next month’s SuperCupNI, Jonny brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the club.

 

 

“I’m delighted to join Newry as the U21 Reserve team Manager. Over the past few years, I’ve gained a lot of experience in the Irish League at U18 level,” said Jonny.

“After a little time out, I saw the role become available and thought this was the perfect opportunity for me.

“I’m really excited to learn from Stuart King as First Team Manager and take my first step into Reserve team management.

“I can’t wait to get going.”

 

We’d like to welcome Jonny to the club and wish him all the best for the season ahead.

New Signing Cormac McNally

McNally signs at The Showgrounds

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of Cormac McNally.

 

The 19-year-old midfielder arrives after a spell with FC Mindwell in the Mid-Ulster League.

He previously captained Glenavon Under-20s and made his first team debut for the Mourneview Park side before a spell at Banbridge Town.

 

Assistant Manager Ryan Moffatt, signing Cormac McNally and Manager Stuart King“Cormac is someone we have tracked for quite a while,” revealed First-Team Manager Stuart King.

“He has massive potential and has the drive to do really well. Pixie (Ryan Moffatt, Assistant Manager) has coached him from a young age and we are both delighted he has chosen to come to Newry when he had other options.”

 

“As soon as I spoke to Stuarty about signing, my eyes lit up at coming to a big club like Newry,” said McNally.

“I’m looking forward to getting started and hitting the ground running.

“The aim is to play my part in getting Newry back up the leagues where a club of this size should be.”

New Signing Jason Craughwell joins

Keeper Craughwell joins

We are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Jason Craughwell from Annagh United

 

The 28-year-old spent the last two seasons with Annagh, helping them to the Premiership promotion play-off in both campaigns.

Last season, he kept 13 clean sheets in 27 Championship matches for the Portadown side.

Overall, Jason made 72 appearances, keeping 28 clean sheets, the most of any keeper in the division in each of the last two seasons.

 

“Jason is someone we earmarked at the start about the possibility of signing, so we are delighted to get him on board,” said Assistant Manager Ryan Moffatt.

Assistant Manager Ryan Moffatt with Signing Jason Craughwell

 

“I know him very well from playing together and I know how much of a top keeper he is.

“Jason showed the desire we want to join the club and be a part of the project we’re building at the club and we can’t wait to get going.”

 

 

 

“The stature of the club and Stuarty and Pixie bring involved made it an easy sell,” said Craughwell.

“You can see there’s a feelgood factor back at the club already, with the new managerial team and the signings. It was a no-brainer.

“The facilities here are top-notch and I just can’t wait to get started now.”

 

We would like to place on record our thanks to Ciaran McGurgan at Annagh United for his co-operation in this transfer.

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.

Assistant Manager Ryan Moffatt, new signing Andy Martin and Manager Stuart King

King makes eighth Summer signing

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signing of Andrew Martin.

 

The 28-year-old centre-back makes a return to the club, having made 49 appearance in his previous spell before moving to Banbridge Town.

 

He becomes Manager Stuart King’s eighth signing of the close season, following Thomas Lockhart, Matthew Rendina, Jack Chambers, Scott McCullough, Lee Newell, Declan Carville and Jordan King.

 

New Signing Andy Martin“Coming back to Newry is massive for me personally and I believe that I’ve unfinished business here,” said Martin.

“Hopefully I can help Newry get back into the higher leagues where we belong. When Stuart got in touch, it was an easy decision to make and I’m glad to get it all sorted so quickly.

“I can’t forget about the passionate fans. They come in their numbers, week in week out. It’s a real family club and I’m looking forward to seeing them all again.”

 

“Andy was a no brainer for me to sign, I know all about him as a player from working with him before,” says King.

“He’s a big commanding centre half, definitely one of the best in his position at this level and is another player I know will play a big part in our project here.”

 

More signing announcements will follow in due course.

 

Photographs Courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.