R.I.P Sam McCullough

It is with deep regret and great sadness that we learn of the death of Sam McCullough on Saturday afternoon after a lengthy illness.

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Sam McCullough pictured back row, fourth from left, in a Newry Town FC committee photo during the 1972/73 season.

Sam, in his 89th year, was a lifelong supporter and true friend of Newry Town/City FC.

He was first elected Chairman of the club in the mid fifties when it was competing in the Irish Alliance League. As Chairman he played a leading role in the high profile transfers of Peter Watson (to Aston Villa FC) and Pat Jennings (to Watford FC) during the early sixties and later held the position of Club President for a long number of years.

We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his loving Wife Betty and the entire McCullough Family.

Newry win to stay top of the table!

Newry City cemented their place at the top of Mid Ulster Intermediate B with a comprehensive victory over Broomhedge at a damp Showground’s on Saturday.

It took only six minutes for the home side to open the scoring. From the middle of the field Graeme Edgar released defender David Anderson in an advanced position wide on the left. Anderson slipped a pass inside to winger John Smyth who took the ball into the box before unleashing a fierce drive into the roof of the Broomhedge net to put Newry 1-0 up. Given the respective table positions and goal difference the home spectator’s could have been forgiven for expecting a rout after this early goal.

However this was not to be as for the next half hour the home players took turns at making and wasting good goal chances with at least a half dozen opportunities spurned. When the second goal did eventually come it was to be Anderson again as the instigator. Taking a short throw from keeper Peter Murphy, Anderson quickly spotted his opposite full back Niall Crilly in space on the opposite wing. Crilly took Andersons driven pass in his stride and made ground before crossing to Mark Lowry on the edge of the Broomhedge box. Lowry met the cross first time using the pace on the cross to side foot his shot to the corner of the net to make the half time score 2-0 for Newry.

Newry increased their advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Chris McMahon won the ball inside his own half before splitting the Broomhedge defence with an incisive pass which Mark Patton just reached in his race with the Broomhedge keeper Darren Addis. With the keeper now beaten and only a defender between him and the net Patton unselfishly passed the ball wide to Lowry who drove the ball first time into an empty net to put Newry 3-0 up.

Lowry completed his hat trick on 75 minutes when he was the first to react after Addis flapped at a Smyth free kick from the edge of the penalty area. When Addis could only knock Smyth’s shot down Lowry was quickly onto the loose ball which he slammed to the back of the net from inside the six yard box for his third and Newry’s fourth goal.

Although clear winners Newry struggled to find any rhythm in this game and although the management will be glad to win and secure another 3 points, thanks to the hat trick from Man of the Match Mark Lowry, they will be aware that there are sterner challenges to come starting with next Saturdays Intermediate Cup tie away to Coleraine Reserves. Newry City Travel Club bus will be departing from the Stonebridge at 10:30AM Sharp!! All are welcome.

Newry City AFC Team: Peter Murphy, Niall Crilly, David Anderson, Joel Annett, Conor McCaul, Jimmy Walker (McElroy), Graeme Edgar (Larkin), Chris McMahon, Neil Barr (Patton), Mark Lowry, John Smyth  Subs: Mark Patton, Shane Lundy, Lonnie Larkin, Paul McElroy.

Jimmy Walker is September player of the month

Every month throughout the season Newry supporters will vote on our website for the NCAFC player of the month. The first team management will then pick the winner from the three players with the most votes in the poll.

Thanks to all 229 people that voted on the September poll. Mark Lowry, Jimmy Walker and David Anderson received the most votes but after careful consideration the first team management chose Jimmy Walker for the inaugural award.

We spoke with first team manager Darren Mullen shortly after he presented the award to Jimmy on Tuesday evening.

“I would like to congratulate Jimmy on winning the first ever Newry City AFC player of the month award. He is a deserving winner for his performances throughout the month.”

“Jimmy’s ability in midfield suits our style of football and he has become a vital player in that area for us. There were other worthy candidates throughout the team and I’m sure Jimmy will be the first to acknowledge that his team mates played a big part in helping him with his performances.”