NI Conservatives’ spokesman for sport, Trevor Ringland, has expressed his desire to see Irish league football survive in Newry. The city’s football club, Newry City FC, was wound up in the High Court yesterday and the Irish F.A. meets today to consider its future.
“It is always a terrible shame to see any sports club struggling or going under”, Trevor said. “In particular, it would be sad to see one of Northern Ireland’s cities lose its Irish League football club, whose history stretches back over 90 years.”
“A few years ago a solution was found to keep football in Coleraine, despite the financial problems suffered by that town’s club. Hopefully the Irish F.A., in conjunction with the supporters and other stakeholders, can make sure Newry retains an Irish League team.”
“The health of domestic football in Northern Ireland is enhanced by having a good geographical spread of clubs. After the likes of Ballinamallard Utd and Institute FC successfully made the top two divisions more diverse, it would be a step backward to lose Irish League football in Newry.”