Delight as Newry City AFC officially launched
Newry City A.F.C was officially launched on Thursday evening in front of a crowd in excess of 150 people in the Mardyke Suite of the Canal Court Hotel.
Newry footballing legend Ollie Ralph was the guest of honour at the new club’s official launch.
MC for the event Kevin McAllister welcomed everyone to the launch before introducing Club Chairman Martin McLoughlin, Manager Darren Mullen, Assistant Manager Ray Byrne, plus Coaches Mickey Keenan and Jervaise McCaul to the crowd.
Speakers at the event included Mayor of Newry & Mourne John McArdle, Councillor Jackie Patterson, Club Lotto organiser Ian McDonald, Newry Special Olympics team manager Esther King and Carnbane League representative Brian Naughton.
MLA for Newry & Armagh, Danny Kennedy was unable to attend but sent his best wishes and assured those at the club he would assist in any way possible, in a message relayed to those at the launch.
The guest of honour, Newry footballing legend Ollie Ralph was given a rapturous applause from the crowd when City Chairman Martin McLoughlin called on him to officially launch the club.
During a heartfelt speech, Ralph spoke of his anguish when he heard the news of the club going out of existence last year but reiterated his belief that the club is in the right hands now going forward.
City Chairman Martin McLoughlin presented a memento to Dominic Bradley MLA in recognition of local MLA’s Karen McKevitt, Danny Kennedy, Mickey Brady and Dominic’s hard work in helping the club back on its feet.
The evening was then capped off when guest of honour Ollie Ralph was presented with a special award for his achievements at the club.
Mickey Keenan (Coach), Ray Byrne (Assistant manager), Darren Mullen (Manager) and Jervaise McCaul (Coach). Bottom: Martin McLoughlin (Chairman) and MLA Dominic Bradley.
Newry City AFC will play at the Showgrounds, but the new club will be in the fifth tier of NI football, playing in the Mid Ulster Intermediate League B. You can keep up to date with all the latest news on their new Website. It can be found at www.newrycityafc.co.uk
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Posted by Sean McKevitt
on Mar 9 2013. Filed under News, Sport.
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