National Lottery

Newry City AFC would like to thank The National Lottery for their donation to the NI Football League 👏🏻⚽️

 

NIFL Press Release

“Irish Football Association and NIFL thank National Lottery Players for their support

£450k support package from The National Lottery gives lifeline to all NI Football League clubs

The Irish FA is delighted to announce that all Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) clubs will each receive a share of £450k of financial support as part of a unique partnership with The National Lottery. 

The partnership with The National Lottery will benefit all men’s and women’s clubs in the NI Football League.  It will provide vital support as clubs are either forced to play without fans or not able to play football at all, owing to COVID-19 restrictions.  As a thank you, National Lottery players, who make a difference every time they buy a ticket, will also get a range of benefits – including free tickets once stadia have fully reopened and VIP experiences with the Northern Ireland national side.

The clubs are important parts of their communities and the funding recognises their role beyond just a 3pm kick off on a Saturday afternoon. They provide a source of pride to their local areas and have been at the heart of their communities through the duration of the pandemic.

The funds will play a key role in ensuring that the clubs can continue to exist and operate during the pandemic.  The money will be distributed by the Irish FA to clubs ensuring their continued survival.

Patrick Nelson, Chief Executive Officer for the Irish FA, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, football clubs are able to protect and enhance the crucial work they do serving their communities right across Northern Ireland. We’re delighted to play our role in this brilliant initiative.”

Andrew Johnston, Managing Director of the NI Football League, said, “This funding is a huge boost to our member clubs at a particularly desperate time. We would like to express our sincere thanks to The National Lottery for their support in safeguarding the immediate future of our clubs.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, said, “Men’s and women’s clubs in the NI Football League play a vital role in their local communities, and have been facing tough times recently because of coronavirus restrictions. We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery for this vital funding package, which will go a long way in helping these clubs keep going until fans are safely able to return to grounds and stadia.”

Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said, “The National Lottery and its players make a massive difference to communities across the UK day in, day out – and have been doing so for the past 26 years. So we’re really delighted to be working with the Irish Football Association to support these incredibly important clubs in the Northern Ireland Football League, enabling them to continue playing such an important role in their local communities. I am a huge football fan and I think all fans will be delighted to know that their clubs are getting the support they need.”

The partnerships follows a similar initiative between the FA and National League in England, and the FAW and Cymru Leagues in Wales. Work continues on a partnership with the Scottish FA. The money for these initiatives is coming from a National Lottery promotional fund. It is not being funded by money allocated for National Lottery Good Causes or by Camelot.”

Jackie McCullough RIP

It is with much sorrow that we have learnt of the passing of Jackie McCullough, former Manager of Newry Town FC from 1973 to 1976.
Jackie had a successful time with “The Town” winning the Mid Ulster Cup during the 1974/75 season. During the same season the club also won the South Section of the B League Championship before losing by a 4-3 margin to the winners of the North Section Carrick Rangers in a thrilling test match decider at Dixon Park Ballyclare.
He, however, down through the years always maintained an interest in Newry Town/ City/City AFC and was always a welcome visitor to The Showgrounds. We were delighted to have Jackie as a guest at our Centenary Dinner of The Town/ City/City AFC in the Canal Court Hotel last year.
All at Newry City AFC would like to extend our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Jackie’s wife Dorothy, family and friends. May he Rest in Peace.

Robbie Brunton Rest In Peace

All at Newry City AFC are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Newry Town / City full back Robbie Brunton. Robbie hailed from Dublin and was just 47 years of age.
He developed a fine reputation as a teak tough all action left back and was quite an expert in converting penalty kicks.
Indeed it was Robbie who in 2003 scored the the crucial penalty goal for Newry just minutes from the end of the promotion/relegation decider against Bangor FC at The Showgrounds. A goal that kept the club in senior football.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to all the Brunton family.
May he Rest in Peace

Pre-Season Friendly v Glenavon FC

On Wednesday night (7th October) we welcome Premiership side Glenavon FC in our last pre-season friendly. KO 7.30pm Admission £5/£3. We would advise spectators to arrive early to avoid disappointment in the event that we reach maximum capacity.

As per guidance from the IFA in the link below we would like spectators to note the following points:
– DO NOT attend if you are presenting symptoms of COVID-19.
– Social distancing MUST be adhered to.
– Face coverings are strongly recommended.
– We will be taking names & contact details on admission for contact tracing purposes.

We look forward to welcoming you The Showgrounds ⚽️🔵⚪️ #YourCityYourClub

https://www.irishfa.com/news/2020/july/covid-19-irish-fa-update

Blaine Hughes signs at The Showgrounds

Newry Manager Darren Mullen is delighted to add Blaine Hughes to his Goalkeeping options.

“It was obvious we needed good competition in the GK area with Mark the only senior keeper at the club. Blaine has shown his qualities playing for Armagh seniors in recent years so that experience will stand him in good stead in terms of making the transition to soccer. He’s vocal, strong in the air and can pick a good pass so is another welcome addition to the club.”

Blaine commented “I am really excited about joining Newry. Having previously played for the club at youth level I knew the fantastic set up the club have and what I was coming to. After not playing soccer for a while I am very grateful to Darren for giving me the opportunity to play at a high standard and after meeting the management team and players I can’t wait to get stuck into training and see what the season brings.”