The NCAFC Travel club’s bus to Fivemiletown this Saturday (3rd Jan) will leave Stonebridge at 12pm. All welcome.

 

Name: Santa Claus

Age: Questionable.

How long have you followed Newry?
I think it was St Stephen’s Day 1923. I happened to be passing after a particularly busy day’s work.

Best Memory?
Oh, has to be St Patrick’s Day 2001 at Windsor Park. Dean Fitzgerald and Gary McPhee (2) scored in a 3-1 victory over the mighty Linfield, Champions and runaway League leaders. Christmas came early that year.

Funniest Moment?
How long have you got? Perhaps when a visit from Linfield had a dedicated supporter on duty behind their dugout. When it came to half time he (Aggro) looked David Jeffrey in the eye and delivered the following in a Mid-West American drawl………“terrible language for a Preacher Man”. The great one beamed broadly as he headed down the tunnel. It could well have been the day Bo Willis scored, even though he was 14 miles offside. Then there was an evening when The Goog almost took out a Flybe plane over The Oval when he ballooned one from 40 yards. You couldn’t make it up.

Favourite Player?
Well, Ollie Ralph is, for some reason, more popular in Newry than my good self. I have a soft spot for flawed talent: Sean Friars, Lee Feeney, Alan Davidson, come to mind and I’m very proud when one of my little elves pulls on the shirt: Austy Friel, Wee Marty Havern, Rambo Hughes. Among our best helpers have been Gavin Dykes, Robbie Casey, Richard Clarke and my own favourite, Dee Curran.

Favourite Ground to visit?
Always enjoyed the Social at Swallytude, I don’t raise as many eyebrows there, but a trip to Stangmore Park was usually eventful. The January evening we came from 2 goals down to win 6-4. Mickey Collins grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and galvanised us. He scored a goal early in the 2nd half before getting a straight red and having a spat with the locals – The ultimate Bad Santa. The unbridled joy when Captain Marvel secured the win remains a cherished memory. Rudolph is no fan of 3G so he has been delighted with some of the grazing available at Intermediate level. Laurelvale and Broomhedge are among his favourites.

What is special about Newry?
The fact that after all the false prophets a band of brothers and sisters came together to prevent their club being relegated into the footballing history books. We also have the great gift of being able to laugh at ourselves.

Thoughts on the future?
Believe. We all believe, don’t we?

It is with very deep sorrow and great sadness that we report the death in the early hours of Wednesday morning of former Newry Town/City FC Secretary and Chairman Billy McVicker.

Billy’s first administrative role in football was as Secretary of The Carnbane League and during the 1969-70 season when he was co-opted to a similar position on The Town management committee.

A short time afterwards he was elected Chairman, a position he held for a number of years.

He also represented the club at the I.F.A. and the M.U.F.A for a number of years and was also Secretary of the MUFA for a lengthy period.

Deepest sympathy and condolences to his loving Wife and the entire McVicker family.

Billy’s funeral service is to be held in Newry Methodist Church this coming Friday.

Name: Stephen Beattie

Age: 22

How long have you supported Newry? Almost 8 years now.

How did you come about supporting the club?
When I heard that Newry were playing on Sky Sports during the 07/08 season against Coleraine I decided to go down. I was instantly hooked and have been watching Newry home and away ever since!

Your favourite ever player?
It would have to be our captain from my early years supporting the club, Richard Clarke. Very notable mentions to Emmet Friars and Stephen Garrett also.

Favourite current player?
Based on what I have seen over the last year and a half it would come down to Jimmy Walker or Mark Lowry, the latter of whom has been very influential for Newry so far this season. The goals these two scored against Seapatrick last month were two of the best I’ve seen at the Showgrounds.

Best memory supporting the club?
Winning 3-2 away to Coleraine (09/10 Season) in the final minutes on my second trip up there within 3 days is a great memory! I also remember a Newry win on a cold afternoon at the Oval, fondly.

Funniest moment supporting the club?
If only I could accumulate all of Kevin Ruddy’s ‘slightly’ elaborate stories from the terraces! I also recall myself and a few friends spending an entire half time haggling with the late Tommy O’Hanlon over old Newry Town shirts in the club shop!

Favourite ground you’ve visited and why?
Purely for the atmosphere – Elland Road. In the Irish League I have always enjoyed going to Seaview – a compact stadium and you’re always close to the action.

What is it you like most about following Newry?
It is my hometown and a club that I can be undeniably linked with.

Hopes for the future?
To win Intermediate A and continue to progress up the Irish league ladder. (Playing against Warrenpoint competitively ASAP would be great)

NCAFC travel club is running a bus to the Intermediate cup tie against Ballinamallard this Saturday, leaving Stonebridge at 11am.

On Saturday 6th December the travel club is running a bus to the Irish Cup tie against Portstewart. They will be taking numbers and deposits of £6 from Saturday onwards. Numbers are needed ASAP to book either a 33 or 57 seater bus. Anyone wishing to book a spot can contact Kevin Ruddy or Decky McParland on 07971134624