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

A Statement from the Manager Darren Mullen

“Honour and privilege. Those are the 2 words I would use to describe my time as manager of Newry City AFC. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be on this journey over the past 10 years. It has given both my family and I so many great memories that will last a lifetime. I have known for some time that I would be stepping down as manager and there is no better way to leave the club than in the Premiership where they rightfully belong. It hasn’t always been easy but there are so many people I need to thank for their help and support over those years. To every single player who played for me I thank you. I may not have got every decision right but I hope you all take some happy memories from your time at the club. Special mention to my 3 captains Chris, Hughesy and Engine who have been terrific representatives for me in the changing rooms. To every single coach from the academy right through to the senior team who helped nurture those players who played for the club. Special mention to Ramy, Jervis, Micky, Gary, Damien Hillen and Damian McCorry who gave me more support than they will ever realise. To Gaff, Willie and Dorothy who have not only helped me in many ways but also kept the craic going when I badly needed a laugh. To the physios and other support staff over the years. To all the committee members, volunteers and sponsors over the years who kept the club going off the pitch to allow me to do my job on it. Special mention to the Chairman Martin, Vice-chairman Gary and the Hillen family who have not only had to put up with my never-ending demands in trying to push the club forward but have also become good friends. To my family for giving me the time, patience and support to throw myself into this role. Anyone involved in management will know the efforts and sacrifices involved and there is no way I could have done this without my wonderful wife Diane and my 4 daughters. Last but not least I want to thank the fans. From day one they have given me their full support and to hear them chanting my name made me prouder than they will ever know. They realise I am one of their own and will be eternally grateful for being part of ‘Darren Mullen’s blue and white army’. I’ve no doubt the club will continue to grow and I will look forward to coming back to The Showgrounds to support the team as a fan. 💙⚽️”

 

Comment from the Chairman Martin McLoughlin

 

“After we absorb the managers news we will come to realise that today’s announcement marks the end of an era at our club. Ten years ago last month we reformed and Darren Mullen was both the instigator as well as being pivotal to that revival. As Chairman, and on behalf of our club, I would like to thank Darren and his family for his dedication and total commitment since then. Without doubt enjoying the highs and seeing out the lows during that time has allowed us to become firm friends and I’m absolutely delighted that his tenure as manager has ended with those friendships fully intact. Darren leaves us with many great memories. He was very much more than just a football manager and got involved in a lot of issues pertaining to the everyday running of Newry City AFC and for that we are very grateful. However, it is for success on the pitch that a manager will be remembered and Darren has had more than his share of that over those 10 years, winning leagues, cups and numerous promotions culminating in this year securing Premiership football for 23/24 at The Showgrounds. Without doubt this success has brought a new sense of pride to the club and nothing makes me happier than to see our colours worn by young and old alike around the Newry area. I can safely say that all at Newry City AFC wish Darren every success in the future and look forward to seeing him at many games supporting the club he served so well.”

#YourCityYourClub.
Martin

 

Darren Mullen will be on the sideline for his last match as Manager on Saturday and the club will provide an update on the Managerial position in due course.

Newry Manager Darren Mullen is pleased to announce contract extensions for Lorcan Forde, Brian Healy and Noel Healy which will keep the trio at The Showgrounds until June 2025. Mullen commented “I’m sure our fans will be delighted with these new deals and it’s a sign of the progress at the club that all three lads were more than happy to sign new contracts.”

 

 

Darren Mullen on Lorcan Forde – “There’s no doubt we have missed Lorcan’s creativity and attacking threat during his injury so I’m delighted that he has signed a new deal. Since he signed for us last season he has been in great form and I’ve no doubt there’s more to come from him. It’s vital that we keep the best local talent and Lorcan most definitely falls into that category.”

 

 

 

Lorcan Forde commented “I’m delighted to sign a new contract with Newry. I’ve enjoyed my first 18 months here so when the guys asked it was a no brainier. Our goal is to be playing in the Premiership and I want to continue to be a part of that starting with Portadown tonight. Big thanks to the guys for believing in me through a few injuries this year as well.”

 

 

Darren Mullen on ‘The Healy’s’ – “It’s fair to say the club and our fans have adopted the Healy’s as 2 of our own. Noel has made the left-back position his own and has developed into a fine Irish League player. Brian has followed the same path as Noel in bedding himself in and has become an important part of the squad. He has already scored some vital goals for us and has the potential to become a regular goal scorer for the club over the coming years.”

 

 

Noel Healy commented “I’m thrilled to sign this new deal, I have enjoyed five fantastic years now at Newry and I love playing football for this club. It’s now time to work hard and stay in the Premiership as it’s where we and our fans belong.”

Brian Healy commented “I am really pleased to have signed a new deal here at Newry, I am currently enjoying my football here. Since the day I walked in the gate to The Showgrounds the club itself has made me feel so welcome whether that’s the staff, players or the amazing fans. I hope now to work hard in the last few games and help the squad stay in the league where we belong.”

 

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce that our number 33 Donal Scullion has extended his contract with the club keeping him at The Showgrounds until June 2025.

 

Manager Darren Mullen commented “This new deal is a deserved reward for Donal’s performances so far this season. He has progressed from being a young lad with undoubted potential into one of the first names on the team sheet. He knows he has plenty more work to do but he has a great attitude and I’ve no doubt he will be a very important player for us over the coming years.”

Donal commented “I am delighted to sign a new contract with Newry. I’ve been enjoying my football this season more so than ever. It’s now time for us to push up the league table and give the fans performances to be proud of.”