As 2015 comes to an end it’s time to reflect on what has been a contrasting year for the team. We finished last season as a team not good enough to pick up silverware and have started this season with a great chance to pick up some. Whilst we have won nothing at this stage we have been working extremely hard to try to bring success to the club. That applies both on and off the pitch and sometimes the off field work goes unnoticed outside the club. The team cannot function successfully without the necessary support required and great credit must go to the committee and volunteers that give up their time on a continuous basis. There are too many people to name but Gary Wilson deserves a special mention for his continuous fundraising activities. I would also like to thank our sponsors who have supported us through a difficult time at the club and continue to show great loyalty. Without them we could not sustain the work that goes on from the academy through to the first team both in and off the pitch.

The premier cup final on the 28th has created a great buzz about the club and as a group we are really looking forward to the occasion. Fivemiletown will be a difficult opponent but we know if we play to our strengths we stand a good chance of success. I really hope the people of Newry turn out in their numbers to support the lads in what is our first intermediate cup final. The support we have received this year has been fantastic but I know an even bigger and more vocal crowd will help inspire the players. They have been a terrific group to work with and have created a very strong team spirit. That has been evident throughout the season and I hope for their sake they get the rewards that their efforts deserve.

Finally on behalf of the coaching staff, players and committee I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Hopefully 2016 brings the success that this terrific club deserves.

Yours in Sport,

Darren