Newry City AFC are delighted to announce that two of our brightest young local talents have signed their first professional contracts with the club.

Midfield duo Charlie McGrath (18) and Dylan McKevitt (17) have put pen to paper on deals that will keep them at The Showgrounds until the end of the 2028/29 season, having progressed through the club’s Academy.

McGrath, from Ballyholland, has already made 27 appearances for the First Team, scoring his first competitive goal for the club in last season’s Premier Intermediate League victory away to Lisburn Distillery.

Killeavy native McKevitt made his Senior debut in this season’s Mid-Ulster Cup and has regularly been part of Stuart King’s matchday squads since the Manager took over in the summer of 2025.

Newry City AFC First Team Manager Stuart King expressed his delight at securing the futures of two of the club’s most promising young players.

“I’m delighted to get these two lads tied down and committed to the club for the long term,” said King.

“They have the potential to be top-level players and this shows the pathway from the club’s Academy to the First Team. I must credit all their coaches throughout their time in the Academy and the direction set by our Academy Director, Damien Hillen.

“It shows the progress, not only on the field, but also all the exciting things happening behind the scenes that the lads want to be a part of. We are now protecting both the interests of the young players and the club.

“I expect both Charlie and Dylan to keep improving and further their development into becoming regular First Team starters.”

Academy Director Damien Hillen believes the signings are an important milestone for the club and its commitment to developing local talent.

“I’m delighted to see Charlie and Dylan sign their first professional contracts. It is a fantastic achievement for both lads and a proud moment for everyone in our Academy. It is a clear demonstration of the pathway we are building for local players,” said Hillen.

“I also want to acknowledge Windmill Stars FC and Lisdrum Youth FC for the important role they played in the lads’ early development.

The players themselves are equally excited about what the future holds in the blue and white stripes.

“I’m delighted to have signed a professional contract with my hometown club,” said Charlie.

“Having progressed through the Academy, I’m proud to have an opportunity to push on even further. It’s a big step in my football career and I’m grateful to Stuart and the Board for putting their trust in me.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard to develop as a player and hopefully help our club get back to where we belong.”

 

“I’m delighted to sign a professional contract with the club,” added Dylan.

“Having been here since the age of 13, it means a lot to now have the opportunity to take the next step into senior football with my hometown club.

 

“I’m grateful to everyone at the club who has helped me along the way, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, working hard and giving everything I can to help the team.”

 

Newry City AFC Chairman Gary Wilson added:

“This is a very proud moment for everyone at the club.

“To see two local lads progress through our Academy and earn their first professional contracts with the club is a fantastic achievement and testament to their hard work, commitment and dedication.

“Developing young local talent is a hugely important part of what we want to achieve at the club, and Charlie and Dylan are excellent examples of what can be accomplished through our Academy pathway.

“I’d like to congratulate both players, as well as acknowledge the coaches and everyone who has played a part in their development.

“We look forward to continuing to support them in their careers, and hopefully these signings will inspire other young players that they too can progress through the ranks and represent the club at Senior level.”

 

Photographed First team management Stuart King & Ryan Moffatt, players Charlie McGrath & Dylan McKevitt along with Academy Director Damien Hillen and Chairman Gary Wilson.

Photographs courtesy of Brendan Monaghan Photography.

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signing of Sam Kierans, subject to international clearance.

The 18-year-old centre-back arrives having featured in pre-season and after a spell with League of Ireland sides Shelbourne.

Sam made his debut for the Shels first team earlier this year in the Leinster Senior Cup and becomes the third teenager to sign for the club today.

Manager Stuart King is delighted to add the young defender to the squad.
“Sam really wants to be here. He wants the opportunity to be around a first team squad. He’s done well in pre-season. He’s done really well in training, and he’s been involved in a few first team games,” said King.

“He’s a young boy, but his enthusiasm is a real big selling point for me. He’s got a lot of quality, is a big strapping lad and is a left-footed defender. There’s not many of them about.
“He’s got good pedigree from Shelbourne, so it was a no-brainer for me.”

“I’m buzzing to sign for Newry. Ever since I spoke to Stuart and met all the lads, it’s been great,” added Sam.
“I’m looking forward to the start of the season and beung involved.”

Newry City AFC are pleased to announce the signing of Oisin Murray.

 

The 19-year-old adds depth to the goalkeeping department, having taken part in pre-season with Stuart King’s side.

He was previously a part of Cliftonville’s first team squad last season.

 

“He wanted experience of first team football and was third-choice goalkeeper at Cliftonville last season so I felt it was a no-brainer to bring him in,” said King.

“We’ve got Reece McKeown still as well, who was outstanding around the club for us last season, and the two of them will compete with Jason and push Jason as much as they can.

“Jason’s done really well for us, but he can’t sit thinking he’s number one every week. So I needed more people in behind him. We want to push him as much as we can and Reece and Oisin will do that.”

 

“It’s great to get signed with Newry,” added Murray.

“Ever since I spoke to Stuart I’ve been buzzing to get in and have enjoyed pre-season with the lads.

“I’m looking forward to a new challenge and the new season ahead.”

Newry City AFC are delighted to announce the signing of Alex McAlister on a season-long loan from Larne.

 

The highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder recently spent time with English Premier League side Brentford, training with their first team.

Alex made his first team debut for Larne in 2024 before his maiden league appearance in the 2-0 home win over Cliftonville in March of this year as the Inver Park side closed in on their third Premiership title in four seasons.

 

City Manager Stuart King is delighted to welcome the young star to The Showgrounds.

 

“Our relationship with Larne is outstanding,” said King.

“Gary [Haveron, Larne Manager] and I are quite tight. We’ve got Albert Watson, their Under-20 Manager, while Keith O’Hara has worked tirelessly in the background to help us out.

“Alex has the potential to be one of the best midfielders in the country. He’s been to Brentford for the last few weeks. He had numerous other clubs after him, but he feels everything about our football club can give him the experience he needs to become a top midfielder,” added King.

 

“I’m absolutely delighted we’ve got him. I genuinely think it’s a smashing move for the club. It’s great for us, but it will also put Alex in the limelight because I genuinely believe he’s going to be a really, really good player.”

 

“It’s great to get signed with Newry for the season. It’s been a long pre-season so I’m looking forward to getting started here,” said Alex, who is available for selection for tomorrow’s BOYLE Sports Championship opener away to Ballinamallard United.

 

“It’s been a great experience having been over with Brentford recently. The aim is to use what I’ve learnt there, training and playing at a high level, and bring it to my time with Newry.”

 

We would like to thank Keith O’Hara and Larne FC for their help in this deal.