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.

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signing of Goalkeeper Oisin McStay upon expiration of his registration at Warrenpoint Town.

The 18-year-old from Burren has come through the Youth Academy at Warrenpoint, going on to making his debut last season in a 1-1 draw with Coagh United in the Premier Intermediate League.  

He made five appearances in his first year of Senior football.

First Team Manager Barry Gray says the signing of the highly-rated McStay is an exciting – and important one – following the retirement at the end of fan favourite Steven Maguire at the end of last season.  

“After Stevie’s retirement at the end of last season, getting another keeper on board was a massive priority,” said Gray.

“Oisin fits the bill perfectly for me. He’s a super young talent that is hungry to establish himself in senior football. We have spoken in-depth about what the next steps look like for him and we both feel excited about what’s ahead.

“I look forward to getting onto the training pitch with him and starting work very soon.”

 

For McStay himself, having already worked with a number of the current Newry squad, he can’t wait to get started.

“I’m buzzing to be signing for such a big club like Newry, with a big following behind it,” he said.

“My main aim is to get the back to where it belongs, in the Premiership. Any opportunity I’m given to play, I’ll be leaving everything out on the pitch and hopefully that will be enough to pick up points.”

 

Oisin will wear the number 21 jersey for the 2024/25 season.

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signing of Odhran McCart upon expiration of his contract with Larne.

 

The 19-year-old centre-back arrives from Inver Park, following a successful loan spell with Ards in the second half of the 2023/24 season.

 

Having previously come through the Larne Youth Academy, Odhran has also captained Northern Ireland Under-18s in the Centenary Shield last year.

 

First Team Manager Barry Gray is pleased to have secured the signing of the promising young defender for the forthcoming campaign. 

 

“It’s great to get Odhran on board. He’s a young central defender who likes to play with the ball at his feet,” said Gray.

“Odhran has good pedigree and is a welcome addition to our defensive set up. I look forward to working with him in the season ahead.”

 

Odhran’s looking forward to getting started in the blue and white stripes.

 

“I’m delighted to get everything signed and confirmed with Newry,” he said.

 

“I had a lot of options in the Championship, but after speaking to Barry I knew straight away his plans this year were something I wanted to be a part of.

“I’m now just looking forward to playing in front of the fans at The Showgrounds.”

 

Odhran will wear the Number 27 jersey for the club for the 2024/25 season.