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Organisers of the Desy Jennings Football Festival hope this year will be the biggest and most ambitious yet, thanks to the arrival of main sponsor Playr-Fit one of Newry's most progressive companies.
Increasing in size every year, the festival started off as a one day tournament and now it's on for four days. In 2026 it will run from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 June. This year the festival will remember ten local people by naming cups in their honour.
Last night, 11 March the festival was launched at the new Playr-Fit premises in Cloughogue Business Park with clubs, community leaders, volunteers and supportersl turning up in numbers.
Speaking at the event, main organiser Marty Jennings spoke of the festival aims: "The aim of the tournament, is 1: to get all kids playing football and enjoying it. 2: Raise money for Chest Heart Stroke NI and 3: Keep people's memory alive. That's basically it. To me that's a success, every year that happens. But It's not just me on my own, it's a total group effort and that's what it takes."
The major announcement of the night confirmed Playr-Fit as the main sponsor for this year’s festival, a partnership organisers say will help take the event to the next level. The support will assist with expanding the tournament, improving activities and help the festival continue to attract teams from across Ireland and the UK, including visiting sides from Newcastle upon Tyne and Liverpool.
Jennings thanked Playr-Fit for their support and help in organising the event. "They have been invaluable in helping our fundraising efforts. They are a sport clothing brand that makes kits for local clubs, which means they're already right at the heart of the grassroots sport. They don't just work in sport, they're part of it. Their support will help us lift the quality of this tournament from how teams look, to how the event feels, to what we can offer the players and clubs taking part. But more importantly, they back this because they believe in grassroots sports and local clubs, and giving players something to feel proud to wear. That's exactly the kind of partner you want for a community tournament like this. On behalf of all the players, families, organisers, thank you Darren and Kieran from Playr-Fit, we are genuinely proud to have you as a partner."
Guests at the launch also witnessed the unveiling of a new official jersey for festival volunteers and referees, designed in partnership with Playr-Fit. The jerseys recognise the vital contribution of volunteers and match officials who help make the event possible each year.
Speaking at the launch Newry City Councillor Aidan Mathers said: "The effort that this family [Jennings] and the extended volunteers put in is immense. I remember, a couple of weeks after the tournament last year, Marty ringing me to arrange a sit-down, to start planning for this year's event. So that gives you a wee idea of the planning that these people put into this event and the sheer number of families that it impacts on so really, really well done."
A new Desy Jennings Football Festival clothing range was also launched, with profits from sales going directly to Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, continuing the festival’s commitment to supporting the charity and raising awareness of chest, heart and stroke conditions across Northern Ireland.
Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins spoke of just how important the festival is: "Tonight is really just the measure of the people of Newry and I think when you celebrate exactly what Newry people are about, this is testament to it. I want to congratulate Marty and everybody involved in establishing this tournament, but also for sticking with it and allowing it to grow into what it has. As a parent of a young child now just coming through soccer and really getting his teeth into one of the local soccer teams, I know just how important soccer is to the community here in Newry. It brings people together, but it also builds a community for our young people as they grow up and I think it's absolutely fantastic."
The launch night provided an opportunity to recognise the volunteers, local businesses and supporters, whose contributions have helped the festival grow from a grassroots initiative into a major community football event.
Alongside the football action, this year’s festival will once again feature a Family Fun Day, creating a welcoming environment for supporters and families to enjoy the event together.
Jennings added that the tournament's aim is to bring community together around youth and amateur sport. "The tournament is built around youth and amateur players. The kids who play because they love the game. The teams who are building confidence. The adults who still show up after work because soccer is still their passion. We are bringing together around 96 teams, 1200 players, plus 100s of family members and supporters across the tournament."
He continued: "This means busy sidelines, loud cheers, weekend matches and a lot of proud moments. Sport at all level does more than fill a schedule. It builds confidence, friendships, teamwork and a real sense of belonging, and that's exactly what we want this tournament to be about. The aim is to bring together kids from all over to play football and to enjoy themselves. What makes this special is that it's local. These are local players, local families, local clubs, local business all supporting each other. The tournament isn't just about winning games. It's about kids wearing their team colours with pride, parents cheering from the sideline and clubs feeling the wider support of their community. It becomes something people look forward to every year. One of the main aims of the tournament is to remember local people who have touched all our hearts and still mean something to us, to keep their name alive, that's what it's all about."
With the help of the community and business support the Desy Jennings Football Festival has the potential to be every bit as important a fixture in the norths sporting calendar as the Foyle Cup.
With preparations now well underway excitement is already building ahead of the tournament, which promises to be another fantastic celebration of grassroots football and community spirit.
Further details about fixtures and participating teams will be announced in the coming weeks.
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A Warrenpoint judo coach has achieved another significant milestone in his martial arts career, successfully earning his 3rd Dan on the competitive side of the sport.
Dermot McCaul, head coach of Shinken Shobu Ryu Judo Club in Warrenpoint, already holds a 5th Dan in the technical pathway, and the latest achievement adds further to an already considerable list of accomplishments within judo.
Judo offers two distinct pathways through the Dan grades. The competitive pathway is typically pursued by younger and physically active judoka who regularly compete, while the technical pathway allows practitioners to progress through knowledge, coaching ability and understanding of the sport, and is often followed by more experienced practitioners who may be older, managing injuries, or who choose not to compete.
McCaul is well regarded within the judo community for his technical ability and depth of knowledge, and his latest grade further strengthens the reputation of the Warrenpoint-based club.
Despite describing himself as retired, McCaul is already preparing for his Technical 6th Dan and is currently training with competitive judo legend Paul McConville ahead of the British Masters Championships, which take place in High Wycombe this May.
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Armagh desperately needed a win to move out of the Lidl National Football League Division 1 relegation zone and they managed to get it in a tight tussle against Kerry on Saturday 21 March with a two-point victory. Final score Armagh 1-13
Kerry 2-8.
While there was no breeze in Silverbridge, Kerry were playing into the sun as it dipped low in the sky after the 5pm thow-in. Armagh avoided the blinding light as it had sunk below the treeline for the second half.
The Orchard County led 1-6 to 1-2 at the break, thanks to a free from Aimee Mackin, who was a welcome returnee to the field from injury, and a brace from the dead ball converted by Kelly Mallon.
Before that the sides there was just one score in it with the home side leading 1-3 to 1-2 as after Kerry battled back from a five-point deficit.
The Kingdom almost had the ball in the net twice in the first quarter, but it was the Orchard County who rattled it first with a goal from Blaithin Mackin, well set up by Lauren McConville in the tenth minute. A couple of points followed and the home side led 1-3 to 0-1 but Leah Boyle socre the next point and on 20 minutes Siofra O'Shea drilled the ball to the roof of the net for the Kingdom. The aforementioned Armagh frees concluded the half in a close contest between these two familiar foes. Kerry were reduced to 14 players when Aoife Dillane was sinbinned before the break and that certainly helped Armagh's cause as they came out strong in the second half.
They went nine points clear after Mallon put two over the bar and Aimee Mackin, McCoy and Marley made it 1-11 to 1-2.
Kerry were struggling to find the target, while Aimmee Mackin sent another beauty between the sticks before Niamh Ni Chonchuir and sub Maeve Mulvihill responded.
Kerry continued to chip into Armagh's lead and a second goal from O'Shea made it a two-point game 1-13 to 2-8 with minutes remaining. Armagh gained possession and tried to keep it as the clock wound down and they managed to do just that to win 1-13 to 2-8 .
Scorers: Armagh: B Mackin 1-0, K Mallon 0-5 (2f), A Mackin 0-4 (1f) A McCoy 0-2, C Marley 0-2.
Kerry: S O'Shea 2-2, (0-1)f, K Enright, N Carmody, L Boyle, N Ni Chonchuir, M Mulvihill, N Carmody 0-1 each.
ARMAGH: B Mathers; M Ferguson, C McCambridge, C Towe; A Donnelly, L McConville, G Ferguson; B Mackin, C O'Reilly; C McNally, A McCoy, E Druse; A Mackin, C O'Hanlon, K Mallon. Subs: M Lennon for Mcnally (40,) E Reid for Marley (42), E Druse for McCoy (55), E McConaghy for Mallon (55).
KERRY: C Butler; E Lynch, D Kearney, R Rahilly; E Ní Laighin, A Dillane, L Boyle; N Carmody, A Galvin; K Enright, N Ní Chonchúir, C Evans; S O'Shea, D O'Leary, R Dwyer. Subs: M Mulvihille for Evans ht, L McMahon for Dwyer h-t, J Lucey for O'Leary (36), N Quinn for Enright (42), K Ryan for Boyle (49).
Referee: David Hurson (Monaghan)
ends
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh (SANDSA) have hosted the annual NMD Sports Awards, welcoming more than 300 guests to Newcastle last Friday, 20 March to celebrate sporting achievements across the district in 2025.
The evening, hosted by sports presenter Thomas Niblock, recognised athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers and mentors who made a significant contribution to sport throughout the council area over the past year. The event featured a panel discussion with participants from the PARS (Physical Activity Referral Scheme) and Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes, with panel members sharing their personal journeys of joining the programmes to improve their health and their plans to take part in the upcoming Belfast Marathon.
Speaking at the event Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: "These awards provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise not only the outstanding achievements of our athletes, but also the tireless work of coaches and volunteers who are the backbone of our clubs and communities. The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, and everyone shortlisted should be immensely proud of their accomplishments."
Cllr Campbell added: "The Council remains fully committed to supporting sport at every level from grassroots participation to elite performance, ensuring that everyone in our district can lead an active and healthy lifestyle."
SANDSA Chairperson Oonagh Murray also paid tribute to those nominated. "It is a privilege to be part of an event that celebrates the passion and commitment of individuals across our sporting community. Each nominee has shown incredible dedication, and their achievements are truly inspiring. We congratulate all winners and wish them continued success in the future."
Sports Awards 2025 Winners
Sports Volunteer of the Year 2025: Darran McQuoid - Drumaness Mills FC
Sports Coach of the Year 2025: Shannon Connor - Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club
Sportsperson/Team of the Year with Disability 2025: Tom Williamson – Down Triathlon Club
Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2025: Rachael Carvill - Taekwondo
Junior Club Team of the Year 2025: Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club
Senior Team of the Year 2025: Warrenpoint Golf Club - All-Ireland Barton Shield Team
Senior Sportsperson of the Year 2025: Darrel Wilson – Archery
Lifetime Services to Sport: Presented posthumously in honour of the late Rory Friel – Athletics
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Two pupils from St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel have been named as this year's recipients of the Playr-Fit Elite Athlete Scholarship. Gaelic footballer Sarah Gorman and swimmer Cian Doyle have been recognised for their commitment and achievement in their respective sports.
The Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme is available to two pupils in each school partnered with Playr-Fit. The initiative sees Playr-Fit establish a dedicated fund to help support young athletes with the additional financial demands that come with competing at an elite level. The costs associated with training, travel and equipment can be considerable, and the programme aims to ease that burden, allowing athletes to focus on reaching their full potential.
Sarah Gorman has excelled in Gaelic football, representing Ballymartin GAC, Down LGFA U20s and St Louis Grammar School. Her dedication and performances have marked her out as one of the standout young players in the region.
Cian Doyle is a talented swimmer who competes for Lurgan Swimming Club and has earned selection to the Irish Junior Pathway Squad, highlighting his potential on the national stage.
Playr-Fit said it looks forward to following the continued success of both athletes in the years ahead, and extended its congratulations to Sarah and Cian as they continue their sporting journeys.
Schools interested in getting involved in the Elite Athlete Scholarship can contact the company at sales@playr-fit.com
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A woman from Forkhill has been named as a finalist in the Sportswoman with a Disability of the Year category at the Local Women Sport Awards, sponsored by the Shandon Hotel and Resort.
Rosie Tennyson's nomination recognises her achievements in swimming and multi-sport, as well as her resilience and her role in inspiring others. A mother of five, Rosie's sporting journey follows a series of significant health challenges. In 2016 she underwent a leg amputation due to an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and subsequently relearned how to walk with a prosthetic limb. In 2018, while pregnant, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, with further preventative surgery following in 2020.
Despite those experiences, Rosie has embraced sport as a central part of her recovery and wellbeing. She trains with Infinity Swimming Academy and regularly swims at Camlough Lake, where she has become a well-known presence in the local open water swimming community. In June last year she completed the Crooked Lake Triathlon in Camlough, earning the Spirit of Triathlon Award for her determination. The achievement carried added meaning given that a serious illness the previous summer had left her hospitalised during the same event.
Speaking about her nomination, Rosie said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be shortlisted. It's a real honour to be recognised alongside such incredible athletes. It's taken me a couple of years to get to this point, and to be here now means so much."
She also paid tribute to her coach: "Swimming and training have given me confidence and a real sense of purpose again. I hope my journey shows others that no matter what challenges you face, you can still achieve something positive. I'm also so grateful for the support of my coach and mentor, Milo McCourt, who has played a huge role in helping me develop and keep pushing forward."
The award winners will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday 11 April at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.
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A last gasp point from Marion Farrelly saw Meath secure a draw with Armagh and retain their place in Division 1 of the Lidl National Football League for 2027.
The Royal County trailed for most of the game and spent a large part of the afternoon sitting in the bottom two of the ‘live table’ but all that matters is where you are at full-time, with Meath doing enough to stay up by finishing on seven points.
With the wind at their backs, Armagh took an early 0-4 to 0-2 lead. Points from Rachel Casserly and Marion Farrelly for Meath were answered by two from Kelly Mallon and one apiece from the Mackin sisters, Aimee and Blaithin.
The first half was defined by two goal chances midway through it with one taken and one narrowly missed. At one end, Ciara Smyth came an inch away from finding the top corner with a ferocious effort, but it clipped the inside of the post. At the other end, Mallon tried an ambitious shot from range and beat Aoibheann Corcoran with sheer power.
Meath responded well, with Casserly and Duggan (free) grabbing the next two points, but Armagh led by five at the break after Aimee and Blaithin Mackin closed out the Orchard County’s tally for the half.
Meath came flying out of the blocks to start the second half with Casserly adding two more points - one either side of a Farrelly score.
At the other end, Armagh almost added a second goal when Aoife McCoy attempted to barrel her way through the Meath defence, but she was crowded out and turned over with Megan Thynne emerging with the ball on her own goal-line.
Meath substitute Meadhbh Byrne made an immediate impact by pointing to reduce the deficit to one, but Armagh replied with their first two scores of the half - frees from Mallon and Aimee Mackin.
Meath’s Smyth grabbed the next score of the game and a converted Duggan free left one in it with time running out.
But there was enough time left for late drama, with Farrelly’s score securing the draw.
Final score Meath 0-11 Armagh 1-8
Scorers - Meath: R Casserly 0-4, M Farrelly 0-3, E Duggan 0-2 (2f), M Byrne 0-1, C Smyth 0-1.
Armagh: K Mallon 1-3 (2f), A Mackin 0-3 (3f), B Mackin 0-2.
MEATH: A Corcoran; K Kealy, Á Sheridan, MK Lynch; S Murphy, O Gore, K Bermingham; O Sheehy, N Gallogly (capt.); M Farrelly, C Smyth, M Thynne; E Duggan, L Woods, R Casserly. Subs: A Gaffney for Sheridan (37), M Byrne for Woods (41), O Finnegan for Murphy (49), K Cole for Sheehy (56).
ARMAGH: B Mathers; M Ferguson, C McCambridge, C Towe; A Donnelly, L McConville (capt.), G Ferguson; B Mackin, C O'Reilly; C McNally, A McCoy, E Druse; A Mackin, E Reid, K Mallon. Subs: M Lennon for McNally (ht), S Quigley for Reid (37), E McConaghey for O’Reilly (56).
Referee: Eoghan O’Neill.
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Newry Cricket Club's Indoor Cricket Tournament Season 2 has concluded with Newry Hitterz being crowned champions following two days of competitive cricket at Newry Leisure Centre.
The tournament took place on 11 and 12 April, with nine teams taking part across the two days of competition.
Newry Hitterz claimed their first-ever title, with Belfast Gladiators finishing as runners-up after a competitive campaign throughout the tournament. Special recognition was given to captains Jijo and Jiso for their leadership at Newry Hitterz.
On the individual awards, Mahesh Maniyan Baby of Newry Hitterz took the Man of the Match award, while Sarath Sathyan, also of Newry Hitterz, claimed both Best Bowler and Man of the Series. Bilal of Belfast Gladiators was named Best Batsman.
The event received support from Jason Pepper, Manager of Newry Leisure Centre, and Aidan McCabe, Health Promotion Manager. The club also thanked its sponsors, Tony and Jestin of Elegant Party Planners, Lijo of Village Mart, Joggy of Red Box Kitchen, Thomasachayan of T-Mart, and Deepuchettan of Annmaria Homely Food, for their contributions to the tournament.
Newry Cricket Club President Moncy Ninan was acknowledged for his role in the tournament's success, along with committee members Vipin, Secretary; Joemon, Vice President; Anu, Joint Secretary and Shijo, Treasurer.
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A locally based online motorsport website is taking the world by storm with its social media presence expanding at an amazing rate, reaching over 8 million viewers in January this year alone!
The Motorsport Hub run by Rathfriland man Adrian McCracken has over 120,000 followers on Facebook with millions of views every month and it's showing no sign of slowing, any time soon.
When Newry.ie interviewed McCracken in February 2024 he had 77,000 followers, but it just kept rising "Right now, we're hitting over 123,000 - It's brilliant. You think, right, this is going to stop soon, It's going to plateau, or maybe it'll start to shrink down a little bit, but encouragingly, it's still continuously going up and up and up." he explained.
The Motorsport Hub were Social Media partners for the Down Rally in 2025 and will be back in the same role again this year doing pre publicity and during the event itself. Last year was a very busy year for the young entrepreneur with his first trip to Rally Finland something he describes as "unreal" It must have been incredibly reassuring to discover when he was there, that his site was quite well known. "It's actually nice that! To get that wee bit of accreditation, to see that it's there on a worldwide basis." McCracken said. Donegal Rally was also visited last year too, an event he found an incredible and unique experience and he will no-doubt be back.
Content wise the Motorsport Hub has a little bit of everything, though the majority is still local and national motorsport coverage. There's also a fair splattering of throwback/ nostalgic content with old rally video and race memories getting hundreds of thousands of views. In 2025 he started a TikTok presence and now has 10,000 followers on that platform - no mean achievement. As he explains: "It's about building content, content, content."
In 2026 McCracken is looking forward to the Ulster Rally and a new Summer Stages Rally.event in July hosted by Ballynahinch Motor Club. This year the Ulster Rally is going to be a big one as it's incorporating a leg of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship.
He's also already looking ahead to 2027 when the World Rally Championship is coming back to Scotland, based at Aberdeen.
If McCracken had the opportunity to cover any sporting event in the world it would be the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. "Despite that the vast majority of my content is rally stuff, I'm more of a Formula One fan that I am a rally fan, believe it or not. That would be something that I would like to go to in the future, if I got the opportunity to do so" he concluded.
Check out the Motorsports Hub at themotorsporthubni.com or the Facebook page at TheMSHub
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