Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of Caolan Marron from Dungannon Swifts.

The 27-year-old becomes Manager Stuart King’s second signing of the Summer following the arrival of striker Ryan Swan.

 

Newry native Marron signs for his hometown club having made over 250 top level appearances for Glenavon, Glentoran and Dungannon in the Premiership and in European football.

The centre-back is also a former Northern Ireland Under-21 International and says he’s over the moon to be be pulling on the blue and white stripes next season.

 

“I’m absolutely buzzing to have signed for Newry. It’s my hometown club and I can’t wait to get going,” says Marron.

“I’m absolutely Newry man and I come down to follow the club whenever I get the chance. So for me to come here was a no-brainer for me.

“When I spoke to Stuarty, he told me what he wants to do at the club and what his ambitions are.

“I’m coming in to try and get the club back to where it should be – in the Premiership.”

 

“I’m absolutely delighted to get this signing done and bring a player of Caolan’s quality to his hometown club,” added Manager Stuart King.

“I did some television work at the Dungannon v Carrick European Play-Off game recently and I thought he was one of the best players on the pitch and capped off a superb performance with an unbelievable goal. In no way did i think that three weeks later we would be able to sign him.

“Caolan is a top level player with loads of experience and he’ll not only massively improve us, but will lead from the front.

“I have to thank our board for all their support in getting this transfer done and to Dungannon Swifts for their co-operation throughout this process.

“When speaking to Caolan, his attitude and desire to play for his hometown club was really evident.

“He wants to help us achieve our goals of improving and getting back to where we want to be.

“He spoke passionately about wanting to play for his hometown club, something his father wishes to happen too. We’re delighted to make that a reality.”

Photographs: Brendan Monaghan Photography

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signing of Alex Eakin from Larne.

The 17-year-old winger arrives having already made his debut for the current Sports Direct Premiership leaders, following previous spells at both Linfield and Portadown academies.

A Northern Ireland Under-17 international, the Portadown native, also starred for the County Armagh Super Cup NI side that were beaten on penalties in the 2024 Premier Final, playing alongside former City forward Paul McGovern.

He becomes Manager Stuart King’s sixth signing of the January window.

King commented: “I’m really pleased Alex has come on board. He’s a direct winger who has pace and is different to what we have.
“Albert Watson works with him on a daily basis at Larne and I actually tried to get Alex in during the summer after glowing recommendations from others.
“He will develop here and he will go back to Larne a better improved player with senior experience.”

Alex added: “I’m delighted to be coming to The Showgrounds.
I’ve been playing for Larne U20s for the last two seasons and made my Senior debut for Larne back at the start of last season.
“I think getting senior football is what will really push on my career and help me develop.
“Hopefully i’ll be able to play as many minutes as I can here at Newry and I can’t wait to get started.”

Newry City AFC would like to thank Gary Haveron and all at Larne FC for their co-operation and Brian Adair for his help to securing this move for Alex.

Alex will be available for selection for tomorrow’s Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League tie away to Coagh United (2pm)

#PlayrFitPIL #YourCityYourClub

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.”