‪We have been drawn away to the winners of Banbridge Town FC / Loughgall FC in the second round of the Bet McLean League Cup. ‬
‪Tie to be played on Tuesday 27th August.

Newry Manager Darren Mullen has continued to add to his squad securing the signature of experienced defender Ultan Lennon. Mullen commented “With Dara Noonan going to Australia and with Paddy Mooney still injured centre back was the one area that we still needed more depth in. Ultan joins us having played a huge part in Armagh City’s success in previous years and he is a player we tried to sign before. He has great potential and I feel that he can make a big contribution for us this season

Ultan Lennon “After many enjoyable years playing at Armagh City FC I am sad to leave but I am ready for a new challenge with Newry.  I know last season was tough for the team but I know Newry have the capability to be an established Premiership Club with the fans and facilities that are here and I hope that I can help make that happen.  I am familiar with a number of past and present Newry players who have told me great things about the club and hold Darren in high regard, so I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and can’t wait to get started.”

Photograph Courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.

A fans favourite will be missing from The Showgrounds this season as Stevie Maguire moves to pastures new at Dollingstown FC. A fans favourite not only because of his undoubted ability and his commitment to the club but also his endearing personality which won him many friendships at The Showgrounds which will remain long past his departure. Newry’s loss is Dollingstown’s gain but who will ever forget those crucial saves in Carrick.

Newry City Manager Darren Mullen commented “It’s fair to say Steven played a huge part in us making it to The Premiership. His performances in The Championship were of an extremely high standard especially in our play-off games. He was an extremely popular member of the squad and his attitude when not playing was an example to any player. I fully understand his wish to play regular football and we wish him all the best at Dollingstown. He knows he will always be welcome at The Showgrounds.”

Newry City manager Darren Mullen has bolstered his attacking options with the acquisition of striker Adam Foley on a one-year deal.

The vastly experienced Dubliner has enjoyed spells at Irish League level with both Glenavon and Portadown and is a signing that will excite City fans.

He played last season with his local club Glebe North in the Leinster Senior League where the 29-year-old finished up as the club’s top scorer and Player of the Year, while he also lined out regularly last year for the Republic of Ireland amateur team.

Foley revealed he almost signed for Newry in the January transfer window but a hamstring injury forced him to put the move on hold.

“I was talking to Darren in November or December time about coming up. We had talks about doing a deal in January but I had a bit of a hamstring strain. I couldn’t really shake it off so it wouldn’t really have been fair to Darren or myself if I wasn’t fully fit. But I’ve no injury now, I’m feeling fresh and ready to go.”

Foley says he has been impressed with the set-up at Newry and is focussed on helping the club get back to the Premiership.

“I was just having a look around the Showgrounds this morning. The ground and the facilities here are Premiership standard so it’s important we get back there this season.

“Obviously the lads were unfortunate last year, they were only a few games away from staying up in the end but hopefully with the team Darren is putting together it’ll be exciting times ahead and hopefully we can get the job done. We want promotion it’s as simple as that. I want to chip in with as many goals and assists as I can and I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the lads in pre-season.”

City boss Darren Mullen is delighted to finally capture Foley’s signature which he described as “a massive signing for the club”.

“Adam has scored goals in The Premiership for Glenavon and comes to us with a wealth of experience.

“We needed that extra quality up front and with this signing along with our other recent additions we have certainly added that to the squad. I’ve no doubt Adam will be well received by everyone at the club and I’m excited to see him playing in a Newry jersey.”

Photograph courtesy of Liz Boyle