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In a landmark year celebrating a decade of inclusive grassroots football, the Well Lane Warriors, Newry’s pioneering mixed gender and mixed ability/disability football team are set to embark on a once in a lifetime trip to Liverpool as part of the “Wellness for Warriors” program in an initiative which is committed to offering professional football experiences to young people of all abilities.
Well Lane Warriors was founded in 2015 by Jessica McMahon to create a safe and inclusive space for her two autistic children, Molly and Daniel and the team have grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant, volunteer run football club. The team now supports children and young people with additional needs, learning disabilities, Autism, Down syndrome and sensory processing difficulties.
This is supported by the Department for Communities and the Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme and made it possible for 15 young players and 6 volunteer coaches to attend. In the run up to the trip, the Warriors completed a 12-week skills and awareness programme “Wellness For Warriors” in partnership with local organisations such as Crisis Café, PIPS, and the PSNI. The bespoke initiative prepared the team for independent travel, covering key life skills like budgeting, airport safety, mindfulness, and social awareness. All designed to empower the players far beyond the football pitch.
This milestone has also been made possible through the incredible support of the Newry community. Through months of grassroots fundraising efforts including bake sales, collections and a buzzing community quiz night held in The Bank Newry the club successfully raised vital funds to ensure not only the players but also their parents could share in this transformative experience.
The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society. £7.6M has been invested in the Newry area and associated five-year Good Relations Plan through Arbour and Radius’ shared housing developments.
Radius and Arbour Housing Associations will continue to work in partnership with local Advisory Group stakeholders and residents to develop and deliver the 5-year Good Relations Plan for the area. The Ardmore, Rockmount and Belfast Road Good Relations Plans will include ‘Bridging’ events which are delivered to the wider community to encourage a range of good relations outcomes which include health and wellbeing, education and training, and a celebration of diversity in arts and culture.
During the educational Liverpool visit the team will take part in:
• UEFA led coaching sessions
• A full tour of a Premier League stadium
• Attendance at a live Elite level football match
• Friendly competitive matches against other disability teams
This journey marks a first of its kind experience for a disability team from the Newry area and represents a monumental moment in the lives of these young athletes, creating not just sporting memories but lifelong friendships, skills and self-belief.
As the Warriors prepare to take flight, their story stands as a shining example of what grassroots football, community spirit, and inclusion can achieve and the lasting impact it can have on the lives of young people. Follow the Warriors’ adventure on the Well Lane Warriors FC Facebook page.
Niamh Havern (parent)
The funding by Radius Housing and Arbour Housing to Well Lane Warriors has given our children, including my son Adam a fantastic opportunity to experience a football trip with his friends. We are so grateful and thankful to the sponsors for providing this unique opportunity for all our children
Jessica McMahon (Chairperson)
The project is one of a kind and we are so grateful to our partners Radius Housing and Arbour outing for giving our players and their families an opportunity which otherwise would not be available.
The trip combined with our “Wellness for Warriors” programme aims to provide our young people with new skills and information, combining with local vendors will help to create a unique experience for them.
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Newry got their new league campaign off to a flying start with a hard fought victory over Holywood at Telford Park on Saturday.
With the first half wind behind them Holywood kicked and put Newry under early pressure leading to a penality and the first score of the game from the visitors.
Newry reacted well to going behind making yards up the field through big carries from the pack.
Sustained pressure from the Newry pack on the Holywood try line followed by a lovely snap play saw center Chris Hanna go over to secure the Blue and White's opening score of the league season and out the home side in front. Playing with the wind second half Newry added two more scores through the boot of Cathal O'Neill.
Holywood played very well into the wind but Newry strong defence kept them shut out despite poor discipline creeping in at times.
Holywood scored a consolation try at the end and Newry's defence stayed strong seeing the game end 11-8 to the Telford men.
Coaches Trevor Sansom and Liam Sloan were delighted to start the season with a win and were very grateful for the home support.
Newry's next fixture is at home welcoming Civil Service to Telford Park.
Final Score: Newry 11 - Holywood 8
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Newry City AFC is one of 20 football clubs in the north to be taken forward under the Northern Ireland Football Fund Performance Programme. The announcement was made by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons 11 September. The local club's proposed project is between £1.5 and £6m. The 20 projects will now proceed to the next stage of funding assessment.
Speaking at a special live streamed event in Belfast, the Minister said: “These clubs, big and small, from across Northern Ireland, have impressed with their plans to improve facilities for the game and for local communities.”
Department for Communities officials will work closely with the 20 projects on business case development and carry out detailed due diligence checks.
The Minister added: “Together we are moving forward to achieve real change for the benefit of players, fans and local communities. And we are in this for the long haul.
“It is clear that the need and demand at club level exceeds the current available budget of £36.2million.
“I will be seeking the fair and equitable funding which is due after years of delays during which time capital construction costs have soared.”
Applications to progress to the next stage
Tier 1 (project value under £1.5million)
Armagh City
Ballymacash Sports Academy
Lisburn Distillery
Queen’s University
Rathfriland Rangers
Tier 2 (project value £1.5million to £6million)
Ballinamallard United
Ballymena United
Banbridge Town
Bangor
Carrick Rangers
Dergview
Dungannon Swifts
Glenavon
Larne
Lisburn Rangers
Loughgall
Newry City
Oxford Sunnyside
Tier 3 (project value more than £6million)
Cliftonville
Glentoran
Crucial step forward
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA has welcomed the announcement. “I welcome this funding for Newry City A.F.C, which is a crucial step forward in supporting our local sports clubs and enhancing facilities for players and fans.
This represents an exciting development for the club, and I look forward to seeing them realise their full potential in the time ahead.
Ms Kimmins emphasised that while this investment is welcome, more must be done to support all clubs across the region fairly.
"There are also many other fantastic grassroots football clubs across Newry and Armagh that urgently need upgraded facilities and support to help them grow and thrive.
"It is therefore essential the Communities Minister now progresses the grassroots football fund at pace, and I hope to see many of our local clubs benefitting from this important strand of the funding available."
“We must continue pushing for equitable funding so that every community and club has the opportunity to thrive.
"Sport brings communities together and is crucially important for encouraging our children and young people to live active, healthy lives, and I am committed to ensuring that sports clubs in Newry are not left behind.
“Sinn Féin wants to see investment across all sports and communities, including support for the GAA to redevelop Casement Park, which is long overdue."
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Free e-learning modules are now available to the Gaelic Games community in Newry and beyond addressing consent, bystander intervention, intimate image abuse and the harmful impacts of pornography, among other issues.
Launched earlier this week the e-learning modules are the new phase of the Game Changer programme, a partnership between Ruhama, White Ribbon Ireland and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), with the support of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and Camogie Association. The Game Changer programme harnesses the positive influence of Gaelic games in society to challenge behaviours and social norms that contribute to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
Four new e-learning modules are free to access for players aged 14 and over as well as coaches, club officials and community organisers in Newry. They are designed to empower participants to be allies and role models who foster a culture of respect on and off the pitch.
Game Changer E-Learning Modules
The four e-learning modules are specially designed to be age appropriate:
Module 1 for 14–15-year-olds is titled ‘Respect Starts Here: Building Positive Relationships’.
Module 2 for 16–17-year-olds is titled ‘Breaking Barriers: Standing Against Gender-Based Violence’.
Module 3 for players aged 18 and over is titled ‘Our Club, Our Community: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Society’.
Module 4 for coaches, club officials and community organisers aged 18 and over is titled ‘Leadership in Action: Promoting a Culture of Respect’.
Announcing the launch of the Game Changer e-learning modules, President of the GAA Jarlath Burns said: “I was proud to launch the Game Changer initiative almost a year ago and I am pleased that the roll out of the programme is now underway.
“The need for this project remains as strong as ever and the four different modules are specially designed to meet the needs of the different age groups within the GAA family.
“I laud all of our partners for the respective contributions to date and encourage our clubs and their players to use this opportunity to assist us to make a positive difference across our organisation and by extension throughout society.”
If you want to bring the Game Changer e-learning modules to your club in Newry, they can be accessed at learning.gaa.ie. Participants will need to register with the GAA’s learning platform Tobar to access the modules. For underage users, a consent form will be made available for parents to provide permission to access the site. This is handled strictly in accordance with GAA’s GDPR policies. Participants are issued with Game Changer digital badges upon completion of the modules.
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The legendary private collection of Pat Jennings CBE, one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, is coming to auction with Budds
Among the many storied items in the sale are: F.A.Cup Final shirts, swap shirts from legends like George Best, Dino Zoff and Gary Bailey, also included is Pat’s International Debut, his historical 100th International shirt (when he became the first Northern Ireland player to reach that milestone) and his 119th and final appearance shirts.
Pat Jennings is widely recognised as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport. And he is seen as one of the sports most outstanding ambassadors loved and admired by everyone who has a passion for football.
Media comment consistently praised Pat Jennings for being "the perfect goalkeeper," citing his calm manner, excellent reflexes, safe hands, tactical understanding, and distribution skills. He is described as “a master of the game” with great common sense, but also a fierce competitor.
Pat played 119 international matches for Northern Ireland in an international career which lasted for over 22 years. During his career, he played for Newry Town, Watford and in the top division with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, winning the FA Cup with both of the north London rivals. In total, Jennings made over 1,000 top level appearances and despite being a goalkeeper, scored from play in the 1967 FA Charity Shield
David Convery of Budds Auctions, says: We are honoured to be entrusted with selling the legendary and prized collection of Pat Jennings. We hope that this single owner auction will offer many different collectors the opportunity to own a piece of history from one of the greatest goalkeepers in football’s history. We look forward to displaying the collection in full and welcoming many fans and seasoned buyers to our saleroom in Wellingborough. A record breaking goalkeeper, both internationally and domestically, Pat continues to generate admiration both on and off the field.”
Top Items include:
Arsenal 1980 Cup Winners Cup Final shirt £8,000-12,000
Tottenham Hotspur F.A.Cup Final shirt, 1967 £6,000-8,000
Arsenal F.A.Cup Final shirt, 1978 £6,000-8,000
George Best Northern Ireland No.7 shirt £4,000-6,000
Liam Brady 1980 F.A.Cup Final shirt £8,000-12,000
Gary Bailey 1979 F.A.Cup Final shirt £8,000-12,000
Pat Jennings 100th International shirt £2,000-3,000 each
Check out www.budds.com for more information
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The long-awaited integration of Ireland's three main Gaelic games organisations is moving closer to reality, with the Steering Group on Integration revealing nine core principles that will shape the future of the GAA, Camogie Association, and Ladies Gaelic Football Association.
After months of extensive consultation with members across all three bodies, the steering group has outlined a roadmap that would see the creation of a single GAA organisation whilst preserving the existing club and county structures that form the backbone of Irish sport.
The proposed changes would maintain the familiar four-tier system of Club, County, Province and National levels, with competitions continuing across all four codes - hurling, football, camogie and ladies football. Current officer roles would largely remain unchanged, though additional positions may be introduced to ensure equal representation for all sports.
One of the most significant changes would see all clubs formally affiliated with the new integrated GAA, though the steering group has stressed that any local mergers or amalgamations would be entirely at the discretion of individual clubs and communities.
The integration timeline remains on track for 2027, with a unified membership structure planned for all members post-integration. The Official Guide and existing rules would stay largely consistent with current GAA documents, with amendments introduced only where necessary to support the new structure.
However, it's important to note that these remain provisional proposals. Nothing will be finalised until formal debates and votes take place at all three national congresses, where the ultimate decision-making power rests with the membership.
The steering group has agreed on nine core principles for integration. The integration timeline continues to work towards the schedule as previously communicated. Post integration, there will be one Association, called the GAA, with a single membership structure applying to all members after integration. The basic structures of Club, County, Province and National will remain consistent with existing models.
Current officer roles at each unit will largely remain, including core roles such as Secretary, Treasurer, and Children's Officer. Some additional roles will be introduced to ensure all codes played in a unit are equally represented on the Management Committee or Executive, with bye-laws continuing to be permitted. The Treoir Oifigiúil (Official Guide), along with existing Rules and Codes, will remain largely consistent with current GAA documents, though amendments will be introduced as necessary to support the effective operation of the new integrated Association and to ensure appropriate representation of the Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association within the rules.
A new GAA club constitution will be introduced to reflect the expanded range of playing codes in the new association. Following integration, all clubs will be formally affiliated with the new GAA, though in certain instances this may result in duplication where separate Camogie, GAA or Ladies Football clubs currently exist within the same area. Decisions regarding potential mergers or amalgamations will remain at the discretion of the local units, with both the approach and timing to be determined locally. Competitions at all levels will continue across the four codes, with enhanced coordination and integration.
The steering group believes these principles provide a clear framework for a unified future whilst respecting the traditions, structures, and autonomy of clubs and members.
Speaking about the challenges ahead, steering group chairperson Mary McAleese highlighted the crucial role facilities will play in the integrated future: "If we are to remain true to our core objective of providing playing opportunities for all members of our communities, we must recognise that the full flourishing of Gaelic games is intrinsically linked to the adequacy and accessibility of our facilities. The future of our games will require full inclusivity, ensuring equal access for all participants. Inevitably, this will necessitate a strategic call on funding in due course, so that we can continue to honour our commitment to the Gaelic games family in every community."
The steering group comprises the three association presidents - Brian Molloy (Camogie Association), Jarlath Burns (GAA) and Trina Murray (Ladies Gaelic Football Association) - along with the three directors general Sinéad McNulty (Camogie Association), Tom Ryan (GAA) and Helen O'Rourke (Ladies Gaelic Football Association), with Mary McAleese serving as chairperson.
The group will continue to engage with members as they work towards presenting final proposals for consideration by the three national congresses, where the democratic decision-making process will ultimately determine whether integration proceeds.
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For over five decades, Willie McCracken has been the steady heartbeat of Newry’s running scene. A former elite marathon runner with a personal best of 2 hours and 23 minutes, McCracken’s racing days may be behind him, but his presence, guidance, and quiet commitment continue to shape the city’s runners, young and old.
Born and bred in Newry in 1946, McCracken first laced up his shoes as a schoolboy at St Joseph's, Edward Street. What began as short sprints on the school field soon became something much bigger. He ran for fun, for fitness, and before long for competition. Early training at the Bosco Youth Club helped him find direction, and soon he joined the Newry Shamrocks Athletic Club, where his love for long-distance running truly took hold.
“There was nothing fancy about it,” McCracken recalls with a grin. “Just kept turning up, kept training. That’s what gets you anywhere.”
The City That Built Him
McCracken’s story is inseparable from Newry itself. From the banks of the Clanrye River to the roads leading out toward Warrenpoint, his running routes have long criss-crossed the city he still calls home.
For thirty years, Willie worked at W&S Magowan, a well-known printing firm that was once a cornerstone of Newry’s working life. When the business closed in 1989, he moved into a caretaker role at the Southern Regional College, remaining right at the heart of the community.
Through all of life’s changes: work, family, and loss running never left the picture. Whether it was early-morning training before work or evening jogs along the Greenway, it was part of the rhythm of daily life.
Those who’ve trained under McCracken describe him as calm, thoughtful, and deeply loyal. He’s the coach who remembers your best time from three years ago, who checks in when you miss a session, and who always seems to know the right thing to say.
“Everyone’s different,” he says. “Some want to be fast. Some just want to finish something. The thing is to help them where they are.”
From Racing to Raising Others
McCracken’s achievements go far beyond Newry’s city limits. He has run for Ireland in Toronto, carried the Olympic torch, and was part of Newry’s record-breaking attempt at the world’s longest relay race. His trophy cabinet tells one great story, but his legacy tells another.
These days, Willie devotes most of his time to helping others achieve their goals. Through his work with Newry City Runners, he coaches dozens of local athletes, from teenagers chasing new PBs to older runners rediscovering the joy of the sport.
His style is simple but effective: keep people motivated, grounded, and consistent. Each runner is known by name and by time.
He’s especially proud of how young runners and women have strengthened the sport locally in recent years.
“Some of these younger athletes now, they’re a different calibre,” he says, his voice carrying quiet pride. “Different class altogether. It’s great to see.”
Running With Purpose
Beyond coaching, McCracken is one of the key organisers behind several of Newry’s best-loved local races, including his much-anticipated 5K series, which draws hundreds of runners from across the region every year.
But for Willie, it’s not just about finish lines, it’s about giving back.
A long-time supporter of local charities, he’s especially dedicated to the Southern Area Hospice, whose staff cared for his late wife, Patricia, in her final days.
“They were unbelievable,” he says, “Kind, respectful, everything you’d hope for. I always try to help out when there’s a fundraiser for them. I don’t refuse anyone.”
Through the years, his races have helped raise thousands of pounds for local causes, big and small, keeping community spirit at the heart of every stride.
Still Going Strong
McCracken remains a familiar face on Newry’s roads and towpaths. You’ll find him at club sessions, marshalling races, or chatting with runners in the car park long after everyone else has gone home.
The speed may have eased, but the fire hasn’t dimmed. His purpose, as he says, is simple: “There’s still plenty to do. Happy doing what’s being done now. Helping the next ones come through; that’s what it’s about.”
In a world often obsessed with records and headlines, Willie McCracken stands out for different reasons: quiet service, local pride, and a belief in the long game. After more than fifty years, he hasn’t stopped running, he’s just making sure others can start their own first run.
Note: This is part of a Public Interest News Foundation project, funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, that gave local students the opportunity to write for a local news outlet. Joseph is a pupil of St Colman's Grammar School. See: Teen Journalist Impresses With Interviews of Newry Greats
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A young volunteer from Damolly FC in Newry has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to grassroots football after being named Young Volunteer of the Year at the McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards.
Mia Patterson received the award at a ceremony earlier this month at Belfast City Hall, where she was recognised for racking up an impressive 400 voluntary hours over the past two years. The Young Volunteer of the Year Award is open to those aged 14 to 24 who make a significant impact in helping to support and develop opportunities for people to participate in the local game. Mia was one of the first youth volunteers to get involved with Damolly.
The McDonald's Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards have been running for over 20 years in Northern Ireland and recognise the work and commitment of football clubs and volunteers who give up their time and make a long-lasting impact on young people and communities across Northern Ireland.
The event was attended by Minister of Education Paul Givan MLA and Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly.
Former Northern Ireland captain and record appearance holder Steven Davis and Northern Ireland goalkeeping hero Pat Jennings, who is a longstanding McDonald's Fun Football Ambassador, were also amongst the guests at the event.
Delivering a message to the winners and finalists at the awards ceremony, Steven Davis said: "The dedication and time that volunteers give every week across the season is amazing, and without them, grassroots football simply wouldn't exist. Congratulations to everyone here this evening."
McDonald's Fun Football Ambassador Pat Jennings also praised the award winners and nominees, commenting: "In the time I have spent as an ambassador, I have loved travelling across Northern Ireland meeting the volunteers who make it happen for the kids. It's taken me right back to where football started for me."
McDonald's Franchisee John McCollum said the company is passionate about feeding and fostering communities and supporting local families, adding that its commitment to grassroots football is a great way to demonstrate that. He also pointed out: "The Grassroots Football Awards give us a great opportunity to celebrate our local grassroots football heroes, who are the beating heart of the game we all love here in Northern Ireland. Well done to the winners."
The awards ceremony highlighted the vital role volunteers play in keeping grassroots football alive in communities across Northern Ireland.
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Newry U14's Rugby had a comprehensive win over Ballyclare/Malone at the weekend. Thankfully the weather held to make great conditions for rugby.
The boys were keen to get stuck in and correct a few issues from last week. Today's word of the day was Momentum and that is exactly what they did with pressure turning into points. There was plenty of direct running, offloading in the tackle and ripping the ball in the tackle. Pressure soon told and Newry was on the score sheet with Anthony and Oran crossing the line after a few good phases of play. Ballyclare then started using their strengths and played up the middle with their bigger players, this enabled them to score a well worked try. Anthony then added his second try after a pick up from the base of the scrum, first half score was 24 -5 in Newry's favour.
After a few words or encouragement. water and jelly babies the boys were keen to start the 2nd half to put the game to bed. What was great to see was that each player got time on the ball to make tackles and get involved. Conor and Jacob ran really good lines out wide making space with great passes inside, this enabled Anthony to score his hat-trick try and Oran his 2nd. Ruairi, Oliver, Patrick, Larry and Ryan did the hard yards to give the team forward momentum, often ending up in the backline and delivering sone great passes.
Nearing the end of the 2nd half, a quick tap penalty saw Patrick bulldoze his way through 5 players to claim his score. This saw the game open up and Ballyclare defend their hearts out. Larry and Anthony came close to scoring with the defence just holding out. Tom started using his boot to good effect, with good chasing putting Ballyclare under pressure and pegging them back.
Final score for official game was Newry 36 vs Ballyclare 5.
The coaches then agreed to play a final 15 mins game with the new players getting a run out. Newry once again dominated the exchanges, and winning 17-0. Tries by Jacob, Finn and Rauiri.
The boys played with enthusiasm and were even trying out a few training ground moves, it was great to see. As a coach you can only ask for the boys to play to a game plan and they did that very well today.
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