Category: Senior

Casey Smyth

Smyth in on Loan

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of winger Casey Smyth on loan for the remainder of the season.

 

The highly-rated 19-year-old comes to The Showgrounds from Glentoran, where he made his Senior debut in 2023.

Casey, son of legendary Glens defender Gary Smyth, has also played for Northern Ireland at U17, U18 and U19 level and represented County Down at the SuperCup NI.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting started and contributing to the team for the rest of the season,” said Smyth of his move

“I’m excited to get playing in front of the Newry fans and can’t wait for the game on Friday night.”

 

Manager Darren Mullen added: “I’m delighted to get Casey signed for the rest of the season.

“He’s a lad we spoke about some weeks ago after his performance against our Under-20s when Raymond Byrne and Jervis McCaul were looking after the team.

“We needed another attacker and I’m sure his pace and skill will be a big addition for us.

“I’d like to thank Glentoran for helping us with the deal.”

 

Casey will wear the number 60 jersey for the club.

 

Casey is the our fifth signing of the January window, following the arrivals of Jamie Doran, Lorcan Donnelly, Ben Harvey and Tommy Taggert.

Manager Darren Mullen with new Signings Tommy Teggart and Ben Harvey

TWO MORE IN ON LOAN

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signings of Ben Harvey and Tommy Taggert on loan deals until the end of the 2024/25 season.

 

Harvey, 20, arrives from Loughgall, having made a number of appearances for the Villagers across both the Sports Direct Premiership and cup competitions in the first half of this season.

Highly-rated 18-year-old Taggert, like Harvey, can operate at centre-back, or central midfield, joins from Dungannon Swifts, having come through the much-heralded Dungannon United Youth system.

 

First Team Manager Darren Mullen is delighted to bring in the pair as he reshapes his squad for the remainder of the Playr-Fit Championship campaign.

“Ben comes to us with Premiership experience, but with a desire to get further game time. The coaching staff and I were well aware of his talent and I’ve no doubt his ability and versatility will be a big asset for us in the remainder of the season,” he said.

“And having spoken to [Dungannon Swifts Manager] Rodney McAree and other respected figures within the game, Tommy is a player that comes highly recommended. He can play as centre back or in the holding midfield role and has the mobility and aggression that we need in those areas.”

“Both of these signings fit exactly the profile of player that we currently need at the club. They are both versatile and can play in that defensive area where we undoubtedly need reinforcements,” added Mullen,

“They are keen to improve and I’ve no doubt that working with our coaching staff and alongside the other players at the club they will both be excellent additions.”

 

“I’m delighted to be joining Newry City AFC until the end of the season,” said Harvey.

“I can’t wait to get started and do my best to help the club push on up the league.

“I’ll see everyone at The Showgrounds soon.”

 

“I’m delighted to a join a club like Newry City AFC,” said Taggert.

“I’m hoping to come in and get minutes under my belt and help the team push up the Championship table. I’m really looking forward for the challenge ahead and can’t wait to get started.”

 

Photographs Courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography

PLAYERS TRANSFER LISTED

The following players have been made available to other clubs for transfer. Interested parties should contact the club secretary at: secretary@newrycityafc.co.uk

Ciaran O’Connor

Steven Ball

Oisin McStay

Seanna Foster

Adam Salley

Darren Mullen with Lorcan Donnelly, Jamie Doran and Brian Healy

MULLEN STARTS THE JANUARY BUSINESS EARLY

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the arrival of two new faces and the return of a familiar one to The Showgrounds.
Brian Healy has been recalled from a successful loan spell at Ballyclare Comrades, where he has scored 10 goals this season.
First Team Manager Darren Mullen is delighted to have begun his business early in the window
“I’ve said on numerous occasions that January would be an important transfer window for us, as it would give me an opportunity to bring in players that suit my style of play.
“Brian comes back to us after doing really well at Ballyclare and he has matured into one of the best forward players in the league so we are delighted to have him back.
Goalkeeper Lorcan Donnelly, who turns 19 later this month, joins until the end of the season from Glentoran, having enjoyed a loan spell with Lisburn Distillery in the PIL.
Lorcan has already made his Premiership debut for the Glens and has also played for Northern Ireland Under-17s.
“Lorcan is a young lad with huge potential and has already played numerous games for Distillery this season,” said Mullen.
“I know they have high hopes for him at Glentoran so he comes to us pushing for the No.1 spot.”
Midfielder Jamie Doran has joined on a loan deal until the end of the season from Sports Direct Premiership side Glenavon.
The 20-year-old, former Northern Ireland Under-19 international joins his hometown club, having already made over 60 appearances for the Mourneview Park side, including 17 this season.
“Jamie is a player I’ve tried to sign on a few occasions, so I’m delighted to finally get him to The Showgrounds,” said Mullen in his fellow Ballyholland man.
“He is technically very good and plays with a high level of energy, which is what we need added into our midfield at the minute.
“I doubt this will be the end of our transfer business, both in terms of incomings and outgoings, but it’s a good start to the window and will hopefully give the fans a bit of a lift.”
Club Statement

Club Statement

Following the departure of Barry Gray, Newry City AFC are delighted to appoint Darren Mullen as First Team Manager along with Ray Byrne and Jervis McCaul as coaches.

 

Newry City AFC Chairman Martin McLoughlin commented “After a hectic weekend today became a day of change at NCAFC. Firstly, let me place on record our thanks to Barry, Mark and Ciaran for all of the hard work they have done during their tenure.

“I am well aware of the time that they have put in, in a bid to make the club a success and the sacrifices that they have made to try and make that possible. I have no doubt that circumstances beyond their control in particular injuries to key players has hindered their efforts.

“As a club our aim is to keep NCAFC in senior football and to challenge for league titles. Therefore, we feel it is crucial to appoint a successor who has knowledge of the league and especially the setup at the club.

“With the excitement of our new 4g training facility nearing completion we are in a great position off the pitch but need the results on the pitch that have so far been avoiding us.

“From previous experience of Darren and his backroom staff I know they will be under no illusion about the task ahead and will be keen to get the job started.

Hopefully this change will give us the boost we need and we can restart our season from here.”

 

Darren Mullen commented “This has all happened very quickly but I had no hesitation in agreeing to help the club. They say you should never go back in football but Raymond Byrne, Jervis McCaul and I all have a huge emotional attachment to this club.

“Results haven’t been good but I believe the squad that’s there is a lot better than the current league position shows. The fans have always been brilliant but we need to start giving them something to sing about. As a group we will be working hard to get Newry City back where they belong and that work starts this Tuesday night.”