Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signing of Barney McKeown on expiration with his contract at Portadown FC.

Gary Boyle commented “Barney is a player we all know and trust having played at The Showgrounds in the 19/20 season. He’s the profile of player we are looking for, has played and captained a team in the Premiership at the tender age of 21; we are sure his development will continue and his best years are with us at NCAFC.

His desire to remain in the Premiership and return to the club is testament to his character and we are delighted to have him on board.

I would like to thank David Campbell from David Campbell Sports Management Ltd for his professionalism and assistance with the deal.”

 

 

 

Barney commented “It’s great to sign for the club again. I really enjoyed my time at The Showgrounds in my first spell even though I didn’t get the game time l would have liked through injury problems. Last season I was able to fend the injuries off so I am hoping that will continue, I’m looking forward to getting back into the dressing room and start to prepare for the season ahead.”

Newry City AFC are very pleased to confirm the signing of Adam Salley on expiration of his contract with Portadown FC.

NCAFC Manager Gary Boyle commented “Adam is a statement signing and massive coup for the club. A player who has scored goals at this level and in his prime. He had several other offers and we are delighted he has decided to sign for us.

Adam’s goal scoring return was phenomenal last season; we believe our style of play lends itself to Adams best attributes and know if we create the chances he will put them away.

It’s a fantastic signing for the club and one we are all very excited about.”

 

 

 

Adam commented “I am delighted to be joining Newry City AFC for the next two seasons, I have played at The Showgrounds against Newry so I’m familiar with the players & management and from speaking to them I think the club will suit me. I really enjoyed my football at Ards last season and thankfully the goals were flowing so I am looking forward to getting stuck in and hopefully hit the ground running here too.”

 

 

 

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.

Newry City AFC First Team Manager Gary Boyle is delighted to welcome Ciaran O’Connor back to the club as his first new signing for the 23/24 campaign. O’Connor is no stranger to The Showgrounds having had a short loan period with us last season and we are sure the City fans will look forward to welcoming him back.

Boyle commented “Ciaran is a player proven at this level who will add genuine quality at the top end of the pitch. He is versatile and can play in a number of positions which gives us options and flexibility.

 

Ciaran has come from a full-time environment and I know he will bring professionalism and help to drive the high standards already set by the squad.

He is a good character and bedded in really well with the group in his loan spell here previously.

 

It’s an exciting signing for the club and I know the supporters will enjoy watching him play!”

O’Connor added “My loan spell at the club last season didn’t really go as planned with my long suspension, I loved my time at the club which unfortunately was more so off the pitch with the team at training and chatting to the people around the club so I am really grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the fans on the pitch and enjoy my football again. I can’t wait to get going.”

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.

With the 22/23 only just over preparations for 23/24 continue at pace at The Showgrounds and they received a major boost on Saturday with news that local company HMT Group have committed to another 2-year deal as the main sponsors of the club.

 

We are delighted to have agreed a new two-year deal with our main sponsor, HMT Group. Their continued support will prove invaluable to us as we endeavor to negotiate another successful year at the pinnacle of Northern Ireland football in the NIFL Premier League. This deal will allow us to strengthen our squad and provides us with the stability to sustain an exciting future for our club. This very generous investment by a successful local business is testament to the ambition of Gerard and Jarlath and their wish to contribute to the continued development of their club and their city. With the new manager in place and this commitment from HMT Group we can look forward to an exciting new era for our club and once again thank Gerard and Jarlath for their enduring support.

 

HMT Director Jarlath Magee commented “HMT are delighted to extend our sponsorship of Newry City for a further two years. We wish the new manager all the best for the season ahead and look forward to seeing Premiership football remain in the City.”

 

Photograph Courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography

Newry City AFC Chairman Martin McLoughlin is delighted to confirm the appointment of Gary Boyle as First team Manager at Newry City AFC.

Martin commented “Gary has been Darren’s assistant for a number of years and his football qualities as well as his dedication and professionalism have been evident throughout meaning it was both an easy and unanimous decision for the club’s management committee to offer him the managers post. The choice of Gary not only ensures that we have the level of stability which appointment from within brings but will also allow Gary to quickly work on securing new contracts with many of the current squad. Gary is also best placed to work on those areas where our squad is weak and requires strengthening and as a management committee we will give Gary and his backroom team every possible support.”

Gary Boyle commented “It’s an honour and a privilege to be given the opportunity to manage this fantastic club. I am excited to build on the unbelievable work Darren has done and lead the team with the backing of our wonderful supporters! Although the 22/23 season has only just finished there’s lots of work to be done between now and August to ensure we are best prepared to hit the new season running and I can assure everyone at the club that will be my immediate focus.”

Photograph courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography