Write a comment
Warrenpoint Town Football Club is appealing a decision by the IFA refusing its application for a Championship License and Promotion License for participation next season.
A spokesperson for the club indicated that the decision to refuse the club’s application would be robustly challenged. The spokesperson also warned that unless the decision is reversed, the effect on football in South Down would be catastrophic. The club has appointed Turley Legal to lead its appeal, which is currently scheduled for 10th May 2023.
SDLP Sport Spokesperson Justin McNulty has called for fairness and consistency when it comes to the Club's appeal against their application. Mr McNulty said “Warrenpoint Town FC is a proud competitive club embedded in the local community and they have made tremendous strides forward both on and off the pitch over recent seasons.
“For the club to be penalized over what appears like a genuine oversight seems particularly unfair especially when precedence has been set in other similar instances.
“I know the club’s legal representatives are appealing the decision and I fully support them in that appeal. In the interest of protecting a hugely positive sporting club’s very existence, I hope that common sense and fairness win the day.”
A spokesperson for Warrenpoint Town revealed that the IFA decision centered on an outstanding liability to HMRC of which the club was unaware, and which was settled in full within a matter of days after it had been brought to the club’s attention by the IFA.
“As a club we understand that the Licensing Committee have offered discretion to bigger and more established teams in the league, where the facts of the case were similar to our own. However, because we are a smaller regional club, it can’t help but feel like we are being treated differently. Our club currently relies on the efforts of our volunteers, and we don’t have the full-time support of employees dedicated to regulatory oversight like some of the bigger clubs will have.
“The IFA’s Domestic Football Licensing Manual outlines a review period that runs from 1st to 15th April. This is in essence a period during which potential financial issues that might have an impact on licensing applications can be flagged up and, where possible, addressed.
“Having previously been unaware of it, during the review period the club was made aware of a nominal sum of outstanding monies owed to HMRC. Upon becoming aware, the club moved quickly and effectively to settle the liability in full on 14th April which was within the review period. We were given a verbal assurances by the Licensing Committee’s Independent Financial Expert that he was satisfied that we had provided him with everything he required – including proof of payment to HMRC to clear all outstanding monies – and he indicated that should be the end of the matter."
The spokesperson added “Warrenpoint has worked tirelessly as a club – from top to bottom – to make itself a regional soccer success story and to encourage participation in the game throughout the South Down region across all ages. To be on the verge of a possible return to the Irish Premier division is something we see as a fitting reward for our supporters, officials, players and the wider Warrenpoint community. We cannot overstate how strongly we feel about this refusal, and we will not be taking this initial decision of the IFA lying down.”
Representatives from the DUP, Sinn Fein and SDLP have all written to the IFA to express their dissatisfaction at the decision.
1 Comment
Ulster GAA announced at lunchtime today that no tickets for the Ulster Senior Football Championship Final between Armagh and Derry would be put on general sale. Ulster GAA made the announcement in a short post on Twitter citing 'unprecedented demand' for the game which sees Armagh in their first Ulster Final since 2008 the year they beat Fermanagh in a nail-biting replay. Instead tickets have been distributed via participating counties, clubs and season ticket holders.
It leaves many seasoned Armagh fans ticketless and disappointed. Many supporters called for the game to be played at Croke Park considering the popularity of the pairing and the fact that Clones holds less than 40,000. In the ten years from 1999 to 2008 it really was Armagh's golden era with Ulster Final appearances and wins in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008. In fact such was the popularity of Armagh that Croke Park was called into service for the games in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
The Ulster Final involving Armagh and Donegal was held there in 2004 as was the 2005 Armagh and Tyrone final and final replay and the 2006 Armagh and Donegal final. The last time an Ulster Final was held in Croke Park was 2021.
Armagh ladies open the proceedings next Sunday as they take on Cavan in the Ulster Ladies Senior Football Championship clash at 1.45pm with the Ulster Football Final following at 4pm.
(Unfortunately Newry.ie editor Columba O'Hare can no longer access games as a member of the press as the GAA now only issue passes to "written media and radio" and Newry.ie is neither of these. Having promoted games country wide for nearly 40 years it is certainly something that we miss very much)
Write a comment
In front of a strong local turnout on Tuesday evening, a jubilant Windmill Stars clinched the Mid Ulster Youth League U17 Premiership Title in Jennings Park in a winner takes all final tie versus Portadown-based Annagh United.
Both teams had gone unbeaten in the 8 team Premiership league after qualifying in the top 4 of their respective divisions. Each on equal points and equal goal difference going into the match, Windmill went 2 goals down inside 7 minutes. Shell-shocked, the group pulled together and persevered, striking one back after 13 minutes to calm the nerves and regain their composure.
The teams went in at half time with the scoreline at 1-2, but with Windmill in the ascendency. After the break, the leveller didn't take long with Windmill scoring from a fantastic free kick just outside the box 2 minutes after the restart. Galvanised and fighting for every ball against a superbly well organised and dangerous Annagh side, Windmill pressed for the lead. The lads' tenacity was rewarded on the 49th minute, moving into the lead for the first time in the match with a well worked team goal.
Annagh continued to push for an equaliser, however, the robust Windmill defence held out and a two goal gap came 4 minutes from normal time to make it 4-2 to Windmill Stars. Shoring up the defence and managing the game to the finish became the key priority as Windmill held on to record an invincible league run with 7 wins from 7. Congratulations to the squad and coaches Karl McCaughey, Vincey Doran and Mickey O'Hanlon for overseeing an amazing season for these young men - a season they'll look back on fondly for many years to come.
Report: Gary McArdle
Write a comment
A new junior girls under 13 team is being supported by the Buttercrane Centre. Ashgrove Rovers was established 15 years ago by a small group of parents and it now has a membership of over 200 players and fields 12 teams.
The girls’ squad has been under development over the last year and membership ranges from age 7-13 with the team playing at U13 League Level. The first outing for the new Buttercrane branded jerseys saw the girls beat Rathfriland 8 nil!
Team Manager Josie Burns said: “We are very grateful to Buttercrane for their sponsorship support for this very promising young side. It’s great to see the girls develop their skills and team work and with the support of local businesses like Buttercrane, we can continue to focus on improving skills, and not worry about fundraising for jerseys.”
Write a comment
More than1,300 competitors and over 2,000 spectators are expected to line the streets on Sunday *28 May for the Newry Half Marathon and 10K. Crowds will line the route from The Quays Shopping Centre in Newry where the races start and end, through to the Warrenpoint Dual Carriageway.
This promises to be a fabulous event with all three races- the half marathon, the 10k and the half marathon relay race, almost at capacity.
All the proceeds from the event will go to five local charities: Down right Brilliant, Centred Soul, Special Olympics - Paddy Duffy Gateway Club and Bolster.
Attracta Magennis, Joint Race Director said, “This promises to be a fantastic day for the city. We would encourage as many people as possible to come out and cheer the runners on. There will be music at the Canal side of The Quays Shopping Centre with family entertainment just inside the centre. There will be paddleboarders on the canal and a real family friendly atmosphere.
“The half marathon starts at the front of the Quays at 10am closely followed by the 10k at 10.30am. Road closures along the front of The Quays will be in place from 8.30am. The race will follow the Warrenpoint dual carriageway (with lane closures) down to Narrow Water. There are great viewing opportunities at the top of Greenbank Industrial Estate and the turning point at Narrow Water Castle.
“In 2019 Tommy Hughes broke the World Record for his age category on this course supporting its reputation as one of the flattest and fastest half marathon routes in Ireland. Newry BID is sponsoring a £200 BID member voucher of choice to any male or female runner who breaks the half marathon course record. The male record currently stands at 71.57 and the female record stands at 85.43.”
Peter Linden, Joint Race Director continued, “We are delighted this year for the first time, to be offering a relay opportunity for teams of three who want to take part in the half marathon. There are a few of these places remaining with a great opportunity for business colleagues or groups of friends to take part to support the five local charities. For individual runners in both the half marathon and the 10k, there are pacers to support runners of all abilities.
We would also like to thank our sponsors who make this event happen- Newry BID, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Newry Credit Union. We really could not deliver this event without them.”
Eamonn Connolly, Newry BID Manager and event sponsor said, “Newry BID is delighted to support Newry City Runners with this fantastic event. The pandemic has cancelled so many events in the last two years in our city. We now have an opportunity to really get behind one of the first big events to take place locally, post pandemic. If you are a runner, there is still time to get signed up. If you are not, we are asking you to help be part of the atmosphere on the day.
“Many of our BID members are supporting super goody bags for the competitors while there are cash prizes for overall winners, course record and age category winners.”
Eamonn continued, “The event is already attracting some well-known names and we hope that the people of Newry and the surrounding area will come out to support it.
We would like to thank the many BID members who are getting involved, particularly The Quays for the use of their premises and The Canal Court Hotel for their special offers for competitors.
“If you can, take the family down to The Quays area on Sunday 28th May at 10am and show your support for this great sporting event.”
The races are expected to sell out in the coming days with a small number of places remaining for each option. To register to take part log onto www.active.com or see Newry City Runners social media.
* date and funders error. Corrected 1pm 13/5
Write a comment
Armagh senior ladies comprehensively beat Cavan in Clones yesterday with a tally of eight goals from 5 players including a tally of 3:08 from Shane O'Neills Aimee Mackin. The big occasion in front of a 30,000 attendance at St Tiernachs Park in Clones certainly didn't phase them one bit with a goal from Aimee Mackin just five minutes in setting the agenda. In fact after twenty minutes the game was all but over with 6 Armagh goals on the scoreboard. At half time Cavan had managed to put 2:03 on their tally but with Armagh leading with 6:06 the Breffini girls found it impossible to find their way back.
Armagh continued to dominate through the second half to set up a repeat of the 2022 final with Donegal and a chance to make four final wins in a row.
Top scorers for Armagh: Aimee Mackin 3:08, Blaithin Mackin 1:00, Kelly Mallon 2:04, Niamh Coleman 1:00 and Aoife McCoy 1:00.
Final score Armagh 8:14 Cavan 2:07
The TG4 Ulster Senior Championship Final against Donegal will take place in Clones 28 May.
Write a comment
The new Newry City Manager Gary Boyle has got straight down to business with a couple of new signings at the Club this week. Boyle was assistant to Manager Darren Mullen for a number of years and his new appointment sees him getting the foundations ready for the new season.
The first new signing announced for the 23/24 season was Ciaran O’Connor who is no stranger after having been loaned to the Club last season.
Boyle commented “Ciaran is a player proven at this level who will add genuine quality at the top end of the pitch. He is versatile and can play in a number of positions which gives us options and flexibility.
Ciaran has come from a full-time environment and I know he will bring professionalism and help to drive the high standards already set by the squad. He is a good character and bedded in really well with the group in his loan spell here previously. It’s an exciting signing for the club and I know the supporters will enjoy watching him play!”
O’Connor added “My loan spell at the club last season didn’t really go as planned with my long suspension, I loved my time at the club which unfortunately was more so off the pitch with the team at training and chatting to the people around the club so I am really grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the fans on the pitch and enjoy my football again. I can’t wait to get going.”
Boyle's second signing took place just yesterday with Adam Salley taken on on expiration of his contract with Portadown FC.
The Newry City AFC Manager commented “Adam is a statement signing and massive coup for the club. A player who has scored goals at this level and in his prime. He had several other offers and we are delighted he has decided to sign for us.
"Adam’s goal scoring return was phenomenal last season; we believe our style of play lends itself to Adams best attributes and know if we create the chances he will put them away. It’s a fantastic signing for the club and one we are all very excited about.”
Salley is looking forward to hitting the ground running “I am delighted to be joining Newry City AFC for the next two seasons, I have played at The Showgrounds against Newry so I’m familiar with the players & management and from speaking to them I think the club will suit me. I really enjoyed my football at Ards last season and thankfully the goals were flowing so I am looking forward to getting stuck in and hopefully hit the ground running here too.”
Write a comment
The new Newry City AFC Manager has announced his third signing in a week. Gary Boyle signed Barney McKeown on expiration with his contract at Portadown FC.
McKeown has been at the club before and is looking forward to the season ahead. He commented “It’s great to sign for the club again. I really enjoyed my time at The Showgrounds in my first spell even though I didn’t get the game time l would have liked through injury problems."
McKEown added "Last season I was able to fend the injuries off so I am hoping that will continue, I’m looking forward to getting back into the dressing room and start to prepare for the season ahead.”
Manager Gary Boyle commented “Barney is a player we all know and trust having played at The Showgrounds in the 19/20 season. He’s the profile of player we are looking for, has played and captained a team in the Premiership at the tender age of 21; we are sure his development will continue and his best years are with us at NCAFC.
"His desire to remain in the Premiership and return to the club is testament to his character and we are delighted to have him on board. I would like to thank David Campbell from David Campbell Sports Management Ltd for his professionalism and assistance with the deal.”
Write a comment
Michael O'Connor has joined Newry City AFC as Assistant Manager. O'Connor a former Northern Ireland international takes up the role as his contract with Glenavon FC expires.
Newry City Manager Gary Boyle welcomed him to the club. Boyle commented “Michael comes in to complete the back-room staff as assistant manager along with existing coaches Damien Hillen, Damian McCorry and Mickey Keenan. Michael has had a hugely distinguished and successful playing career thus far and is another massive addition for the club. Having completed my badges with Michael I have seen his work first hand and I know he will be a terrific fit for the club. I am delighted and really excited to be working with him.”
O'Connor is looking forward to the challenge. He commented “I am really looking forward to working with Gary, the existing coaches and the team. This will be my first year involved in the coaching side but it’s something that I have been looking to do for last year or two. It will be a big challenge for myself and Gary to replicate the job Darren has done for last 10 years but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to. I would like to thank Gary as well for giving me this opportunity to work with him at a great club.”
 |
 |
 |