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A total of fourteen local groups in the Newry area have been awarded grants from the Brian Conlon Foundation. This years funding will support a wide range of programmes from youth therapy and inclusive boxing to music and mentoring.
The Brian Conlon Foundation was established in memory of Brian Conlon, a highly regarded figure in the Newry area and in the wider sports and business community. Brian who passed away in 2019 aged just 53 was best known for his involvement in Gaelic football and as the founder of First Derivatives, a leading provider of products and consulting services to some of the world’s largest finance, technology and energy institutions.
The Community Foundation Northern Ireland works in partnership with the Conlon family and The Brian Conlon Foundation to continue his legacy by supporting causes that were close to his heart and that he was passionate about.
A spokesperson from the Brian Conlon Foundation said: “We are delighted to again be able to make these awards to groups in the Newry area. The continued interest shown by local groups in this fund, created in memory of Brian is heart-warming and reflective of the fantastic work that is carried out across the city and the surrounding areas.
“The connection Brian had with Newry is well known. He was passionate about creating opportunities in his hometown and making a real difference to people’s lives. The Foundation reflects Brian’s values and allows his spirit to live on whilst making a positive tangible contribution to the community he was so proud of.”
“It’s fantastic to see such a wide range of groups and clubs applying — this year, there were more applications than ever before. It’s a clear sign that the awards are a real asset to Newry, and a testament to the lasting impact of Brian’s legacy. He would be proud.”
Orla Black, Director of Grants at the Community Foundation added: “The continued awarding of these grants to local groups in the Newry area is making a meaningful and lasting impact. This year’s 14 successful groups represent a wide range of backgrounds, all united by a shared commitment to improving opportunities in education, amateur sport, and employment — with a particular focus on children and young people.
“The funding truly does live up to the legacy of Brian whom the fund is in memory of aimed at investing in opportunities in Newry, the town that he loved.”
Award Recipients
- Home Start Newry and Mourne received £1,428.00 for Family Group Support
- Newry City AFC Special Olympic Club received 3,386.00 for the purchase of a Floorball Rink.
- Three Ways Community Association received 3,500.00 for their Empower, Engage, Excel: Building Brighter Futures for Young People programme.
- Drake Music Project Northern Ireland received 3,490.00 for the Music and Machines project
- Down Right Brilliant received 2,520.00 for the Let's Talk Makaton project.
- Clanrye Group received 2,560.00 for the Youth Therapy Project
- St John Bosco Boxing Club received 1,500.00 for the Inclusive Boxing & Team-Building for Youth with Disabilities project
- Craigmore A.B.C CIC received 3,500.00 for the Advancement of the Amateur Sport of Boxing in Newry City for Minority Ethnics, Hard to Reach Young People and Females
- Centred Soul received 1,837.00 for the Women Matter project.
- Crisis Cafe CIC received 3,000.00 for the Reconnect project.
- Newry Shamrocks GAA received 1,700.00 for the Promoting Amateur Sport in Newry Programme.
- Lisdrum Youth FC received 1,149.00 for the Lisdrum Youth F.C Summer of Connection 2025 programme
- Carnagat Area Community Association received 2,200.00 for the Youth Engagement & Development programme
- Sticky Fingers Arts received 3,500.00 for the 'Blossom' Mentoring Project
