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Hundreds of Celtic fans from all over Ireland and Scotland attended a ceremony today at Linenhall Square in Mourne View Park to unveil a plaque to remember Willie Maley, the first Celtic Manager who was born in the Barracks on the site on 25th April 1868. The job was given to two great Celtic supporters Davy Hyland and Pat McGinn to unveil the plaque mounted on the Linenhall Arch, which marked an entrance into the Barracks. Davy Hyland was a former Chairperson, Newry and Mourne Council while Pat McGinn was a former Mayor.
Speaking at the ceremony Davy Hyland said "Willie Patrick Maley, the man who made Celtic was born on the 25th April 1868, almost 155 years ago. I think Willie must be looking down on us today because this is the best weather we have had in weeks.
When the Willie Maley Memorial Committee first met two years ago, it was clear that we had a giant task in front of us, specifically how to raise a mighty sum of money to build a true memorial to this great man and the legend who dedicated all of his life for our beloved hoops. We also had to decide where to site the statue. Some people thought it should be in his birthplace, the Barrack's but after much debate and discussion it was agreeed to build it at the top of Monaghan Street, the busiest one in the city at a location where one road led to the hospital and the local council offices while the other one led to Camlough and South Armagh. However as Willie Maley was born in this estate, we felt it was right, and fitting that we should erect a plaque to recognise and appreciate that fact. Willie Maley did not live long enough in Newry to develop a Newry accent or to become an authentic Newry nyuck but I'm sure he never forgot us."
Hyland ended "The committee had to put in a massive effort to raise the necessary funds and they accomplished this on their own without any help of state agencies or bodies. A lot of the monies were raised at Celtic Park itself under the guidance of Tommy Sherridan who from the very beginning has been a loyal and dedicated supporter and a beacon of light for the project."
Pat McGinn added "I stand here today a very proud Celtic bhoy, a very proud member of the Celtic family. Family was utmost in the founding core values of Celtic and today it is fitting at this hugely special occasion we remember those who for generations have kept the faith in and the support for Celtic alive.
"Today we think of those families and friends from Linenhall here from Newry, and from the wider area who talk proudly of Mr William Maley and kept his name alive over the years. We remember our own families and friends who instilled and nurtured the love of Celtic through generations."
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Following the placing of a plaque on the Linenhall Square arch commemorating Willie Maley's birthplace on Saturday, 15 April, a massive colourful parade proceeded from Mourne View Park via Trevor Hill and Monaghan Street, with music provided by Éire Nua Flute Band from West Belfast as it made its way towards the bottom of Camlough Road where a Willie Maley statue was unveiled. Celtic's green and white was to the fore of course with visitors from as far away as Cork and of course Scotland making the journey to Newry for the historic occasion.
Willie Maley was born in The Barrack's in Newry 25 April 1868 and was Glasgow Celtic's first manager. He broke many records which still stand to this day.
The Newry Willie Maley Memorial Group in a few years collected over £80,000 from the public and the wider Celtic community for the statue, a fixture that will outlast us all in its home at the junction of Monaghan Street and Camlough Road in the city. Sculpted by Tyrone man Barry O'Neill the statue is a majorly impressive addition to the landscape and indeed culture of Newry.
Chairman of the group Pat McLoughlin explained how the idea got going "It started after the Lazio game, we beat Lazio 2-1 and I went to do the tour next day and I got speaking to a man Matt Corr who's an author as well and we got talking about how there wasn't a statue of Willie Maley, it was a bit of a travesty so we started a campaign from then. I approached Gavin, I approached Brian Hyland from the Reporter and it all just started from that and grew and grew and then Covid knocked us out a bit, we were a bit disappointed with that but we got back at it as the Celtic support always do and we raised the funds, Tommy Sherridan had a fantastic night at Celtic Park and that really got the ball over the line. Three years of hard work but well worth it now. I'd especially like to thank Mark McEvoy for all his help, he done a fantastic job along with me to get it done along with all the groups as well. Celtic support, best supporters in the world and this is the outcome of it today. Hail Hail ..."
Councillor Michael Savage, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down Council was just one of the local Councillors who turned up in awe of the group. Cllr Savage congratulated the fundraising team. "A truly historic day in Newry with the unveiling of the magnificent statue to honour Newry's 'Mr Celtic' Willie Maley. A huge turnout and a huge achievement for Pat McLoughlin, Mark McEvoy and the Newry Willie Maley Memorial Group who raised a staggering £80,000 to erect the beautiful statue in the city. This was a grassroots initiative delivered by the fans and each and every fan involved should be extremely proud of what you've achieved. You have done your city and the club you love proud. Hail Hail!"
Newry Councillor Gavin Malone spoke of his delight at such a massive turnout and congratulated Pat McLoughlin. "I remember our first meeting in 2019, there were six of us there who started the ball rolling, Pat branched it out then to the key Celtic supporters. I remember going to a meeting after about 3 weeks and seeing the clientelle, Mark McEvoy, Larry Griffin, Danny McDonald, Pat McLoughlin, Lee McGovern, Ian McCormick, Pat Quinn and I said to myself, this is going to be successful."
Guest Speaker at the event Tommy Sheridan really didn't need amplification such was his enthusiasm but with the help of it, the Celtic message was heard loud and clear in every part of Newry. Sheridan spoke of the link between Newry and Glasgow Celtic "Willie became the Manager who had a vision for Celtic. A vision of a club that didn't have to buy players, but a club that would have home grown players, a club that would adopt a philosophy of Attack - Attack-Attack and for 43 years Willie Maley built, not one, not two, but three Celtic Football teams that conqured the football scene in Scotland and became record breakers. He's still the record breaking manager in the whole of the UK having won more trophies than any other manager, thirty major trophies over his 43 years in charge. The first guy to win a league and cup double, the first guy to win six in a row and it stayed a record until the seventies. The first guy to go 62 games unbeaten. It was only beaten a couple of years ago under Brendan Rodgers and even that record is going to get beat soon under Ange Postecoglou.
"Brothers and sisters, what a tradition, what a tradition you've got here and that we are honouring here today. It was said earlier he was born 155 years ago, apparently Pat was still there! It's taken a long time to get here but you know what, it's been done by honest fans working hard together, united as one and showing the strength of working class unity within the Celtic family. That's what's brought us here today."
Paying tribute to former Celtic player Frank McGarvey who passed away in January, Sheridan said "There was a Celtic legend who was at the dinner that we had over in Parkhead, some of you managed to make it. A fantastic event. It raised over £40,000 and one of the players that was there was a guy called Frank McGarvey, a good friend of mine. Frank and I discussed this campaign in a podcast. Frank was blown away, blown away by the contribution of ordinary Celtic fans to this cause. He says to me that night Tommy I don't care what else is going on I'm going to be in Newry for the unveiling of that statue.
"Sadly brothers and sisters the horrible cancer has taken Frank away from us but we said we would remember him. We told the family we would remember him and therefore in memory of the 67 Football fans who disgracefully died in Hillsborough and where then the victims of a disgraceful cover up by the police and the Tory Government. We are going to let off these balloons here and have a minute's applause in memory of Frank and in memory of the 67"
Following the applause the statue was unveiled by special guests former Celtic players Tommy Johnston, Joe Millar and Jackie McNamara as well as Tommy Sheridan. The day will long be remembered by Newry Celtic fans.
Check out our photographs below.
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Senior hurlers from Craobh Rua Camlocha recently presented local Councillor Declan Murphy with a token of their appreciation for his support to their team and helping with the clubs community based activities. 1 Comment
Damolly FC youth coach Joanne Patterson, has won a Coach of the Year award at the inaugural Local Women Sport Magazine - Women's Sports Awards 2023, the first ever awards competition dedicated to women in all-sports in the whole of Ireland and the UK.
Patterson is heavily involved in helping run Damollys youth system and has spearheaded the growth in girls participation with her two daughters Mia and Zoe both playing and helping out.
She has recently volunteered to help out with the IFA’s shooting stars in the Newry and Mourne area along with players from the NI women’s team. She is presently working with other clubs to start up a first ever all girls league in this area.
Paul Henning from Damolly FC said “She has worked her socks off recently especially with the junior girls.
“Sometimes you don’t always get what you deserve in football but Joanne more than deserved this recognition”
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The GAA Championship is off to a great start with wins for both Down and Armagh resulting in a mouthwatering fixture between the neighbouring counties at Ulster GAA headquarters next Sunday.
The Ulster Championship Semi Final will see Armagh take on Down at Clones at 4pm on Sunday and it's sure to capture the imagination of loyal fans of both sides.
Down took on Donegal in front of an attendance of 11,527 at Pairc Esler with Donegal's Jason Magee putting the ball in the back of the net after just 2 minutes. Down though got into their stride and with the help of a goal from Liam Kerr it was all even 20 minutes in and the sides went in 1-04 apiece at half time.
The second half got really going with a penalty converted by Down's Pat Havern putting them ahead by 5 points. Donegal managed to get back to within a point in the 63rd minute but that was their last score of the day and Down added another 3 points to emerge winners with a final score of Down 2-12 Donegal 1-11.
Armagh v Cavan
Armagh took on Cavan in Breffni Park on Saturday in front of an almost capacity crowd. With seven Armagh players scoring in the first half things were looking good. Points from Conor Turbitt, Ethan Rafferty, Andrew Murnin, Shane McParland, Rory Grugan, Jemar Hall were added to by a goal from Ben Crealey just before half time making it a seven point lead 1-10 to 0-06 for Armagh at the break.
After the break there was no comeback for Cavan and further points from Greg McCabe, Conor Turbitt and Conor O'Neill meant an incredible 9 Armagh players had their names on the scoresheet.
Final score was Armagh 1-14 Cavan 0-12
Next Sunday's game in Clones will certainly be a cracker.
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Newry City Manager Darren Mullen has announced he is stepping down after ten years with the Club.
Mullen said he was honoured and privileged to be part of the club. "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."
Mullen thanked a long list of people that helped him through his time at the club from players to coach'sto Physio's and support staff as well as committee members, his family and especially the fans. "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." said Mullen.
He continued "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."
Speaking of the sacrifices made to family life Mullen added "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.”
Newry City Chairman Martin McLoughlin spoke of it being an end of an era. "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."
McLoughlin concluded "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.”
Darren Mullen will be on the sideline for his last match as Manager on Saturday.
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A group of young swimmers from Newry Swimming & Waterpolo Club and Infinity Swim Academy, Bessbrook will later this year attempt to become the youngest ever relay team to swim the North Channel.
Calling themselves The Red Hot Chilli Dippers the swimmers are all under the age of 16 and if the challenge is achieved a world record will be set.
They are running a fundraising quiz tonight 27 April in The Bank Bar at 8.30pm and all are welcome.
The North Channel swim is one of the most difficult sea swims in the world. Starting at Donaghadee in Belfast Lough and finishing in Portpatrick, Scotland it is 21.5 miles in distance. Luckily the water is too cold for sharks but there are plenty of Lions Mane Jellyfish for the swimmers to contend with! This is a physically and mentally demanding swim for this young team, peppered with unusual swimming conditions, changeable weather, jellyfish and a low temperature.
This huge challenge and endeavour will be the culmination of many months cold water training. The relay team will be supported by a fully resourced support squad supplied by Infinity Swim Academy who are kindly waiving the large cost of the support boats, in the hope that the team will raise as much money as possible for charity.
The team have selected 3 charities to fundraise for - Autism NI, Aware NI and PIPS Newry.
You can support their intrepid challenge at www.justgiving.com
Also feel free to like and share the Red Hot Chilli Dippers Facebook page
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Armagh are back in an Ulster Final once again for the first time since 2008. That year it was Fermanagh they faced and it took two attempts to beat them. This time round Derry is the opposition and a return to Clones. Yesterday's electric atmosphere at Clones was the perfect location for the semi final between neighbours Down and Armagh. A low scoring game up until the 20th minute but that all changed when Armagh's Andrew Murnin fisted the ball into the net to put Armagh 1:03 to Down 0:02 and that was followed just over 5 minutes later with an incredible blast of a goal from Shane McPartlan.
At half time the teams were 2:04 to Armagh and 0:06 to Down and it could have went either way in the second half but unfortunately for Down things were only going in one direction from the restart. It took Down twenty five minutes to add to the scoreboard and in the meantime goals from Armagh's Ciaran Mackin and Rian O'Neill put the result beyond doubt despite 6 additional points from the Down men.
Final score was Armagh 4:10 Down 0:12. Derry await on 14 May while Down head the Tailteann Cup route
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage recently hosted a civic reception to mark the 50th Anniversary of Carnbane Rovers.
The team won the Northern Ireland Youth Cup on St Stephen's Day 1972 defeating Distillery Colts. Members of the winning team attended the event to share their memories of the win with the Chairperson.
During the event, Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage presented an inscribed crystal bowl to Martin McKeown who was the Team Captain of the squad in 1972.
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