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.”

The management committee of Newry City AFC can announce that we have parted ways with first team manager, Barry Gray. We would like to place on record our thanks to Barry for all of his hard work at the club during a very difficult time on and off the pitch. Barry leaves with our best wishes.

A further update will follow in due course.

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce that Alex O’Brien has signed a new contract to remain at the club.

 

The highly-rated 19-year-old joined the club from League of Ireland side Bohemians at the end of the January transfer window, impressing in his 10 appearances in total during the second half of the 2023-2024 season.

 

First Team Manager Barry Gray is pleased to have brought O’Brien – who play both in defence and midfield – back to The Showgrounds.

“It’s great to have Alex commit to another season with us. He’s a very talented young player that we saw plenty of at the tail end of last season,” he said.

“Alex is a versatile player that can operate in a number of positions, which is always important when you’re building your squad. We know Alex in detail and he now knows us, so we’re really looking forward to getting him in and working again.”

 

O’Brien added: “I’m delighted to be back for another year with Newry. I really enjoyed my time with the lads here last season.

“My main focus this year is to help the team challenge for the league and win promotion back to the Premiership. I can’t wait to be back in and to get going for the season ahead.”

 

Alex will wear the number 8 shirt for the forthcoming season, with Adam Carroll, who wore number 8 in the last campaign, now wearing number 10.

Newry City AFC First Team Manager is delighted to welcome his sixth signing of the Summer Transfer Window in defender Jamie O’Flaherty.

 

Gray commented “Fla is a brilliant addition to us as a team. A young local lad that I’ve experience working with last season. He’s a high energy player that likes to attack and contribute in many areas on the pitch which is exactly what we need. It’ll be great to get working with him Again and see him on the pitch asap.”

 

Jamie O’Flaherty commented “I am delighted to have signed for Newry and to be playing under Barry again. The team already had quality players and hopefully with the new signings we pull together and get back up to the Premiership.

“I’m really looking forward to playing in front of the fans, hopefully we can repay their great support this year with good performances and get results.”

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signing of Gavin Smith.

 

The 24-year-old from Dundalk, who can operate at the back and in midfield, arrives at The Showgrounds following a successful spell with Glebe North in the Leinster Senior League, culminating in winning the FAI Intermediate Cup in April of this year.

He also had spells at Warrenpoint Town and Dundalk earlier in his career.

 

“It’s fantastic to get Gavin over the line. He’s a central defender I have experience working with before, albeit briefly,” said First Team Manager Barry Gray

“Gavin will bring presence and defensive strength to the panel. He spent the last season playing every week in a very competitive league and was a standout player. He’s driven and can’t wait to kick the season off soon.”

 

“I’m delighted to sign for Newry,” adds Gavin.

“I want to cement my place in the team firstly and hopefully be able to contribute to getting us back to up to where Newry deserve to be – in the Premiership.

“I’ve played with a few of the boys, either at Warrenpoint or other clubs, so it makes it easier to come in to the changing room. I’m looking forward to getting out onto the pitch, getting to know the rest of the lads and kick on from there.

 

Gavin will wear the number 5 jersey this season.