Newport Town AFC – Contribution to football recipients

Hall of Fame Recipients 2026

It's been a while and long overdue since any names were added to the Club's Hall of Fame but at the Club's AGM on May 29 2026 in The Freigh Inn, a further 9 names were added to the list of worthy recipients.

The names of Ger O'Sullivan, Denis 'Jack' O'Sullivan, Ger O'Brien, Patsy O'Brien (RIP), Denis 'Chawkie' Lenihan, Jody Lenihan, Martin Bonfield (RIP), Joe Ryan and Mike Larkin were the latest added to the Newport Town AFC Hall of Fame. It was great to see some of the Hall of Famers and their families present to see the club legends receive their Certificates of Appreciation. Especially poignant to see the families of the late Patsy O'Brien and Martin Bonfield there to accept their posthumous awards.

Ger O'Sullivan has made an exceptional contribution to Newport Town AFC over many years. As a centre forward, he played with distinction for the club, most notably during our triple-winning season. Off the pitch, Ger served on the committee and played a central role in fundraising efforts, including the purchase of the grounds at Derryleigh. He also led the project team from the pre-design phase through construction and validation, helping to shape a lasting home for the club. Above all, Ger has remained a loyal supporter, trusted friend, and valued presence in Newport Town AFC throughout the years.

Denis ‘Jack’ O’Sullivan has given extraordinary service to Newport Town AFC and is truly one of the great pillars of our club. From his days as a key player with our Junior men’s teams, having joined us from our neighbours in Limerick, to his devoted work in the schoolboy academy, Jack has helped shape generations of Newport players. Many of those young lads went on to play and coach within the club, a lasting reflection of his guidance and care. He served with distinction on club committees, as PRO, and later as Chairperson. As a manager, coach, supporter and ever-present friend, Jack is cherished by all in the Newport Town AFC family.

Ger O’Brien has given Newport Town AFC a lifetime of outstanding service, love and loyalty. As a committed full back, he played his part in many great days for the club, helping to win leagues and cups. Off the pitch, he coached and managed schoolboy and junior men’s teams with dedication and pride. Ger was also central to fundraising efforts over the decades, to the purchase of the Derryleigh grounds, and to the Clubhouse Development in 2016/17. A lifelong supporter and familiar face on Sunday mornings, he brings warmth, spirit and club history wherever he goes. Thank you, Ger, for everything.

Patsy O’Brien (RIP) gave so much to Newport Town AFC over many years, and his memory will always be held dear by all who knew him. He was instrumental in establishing the children’s street leagues in the 1980s, laying the foundations for schoolboy football in Newport, and proudly managed the Black Road team to victory in the inaugural tournament. Many of those players later lined out for the junior club and served as lifelong administrators. Patsy was also a founding member of the club’s schoolboy and ladies’ sections, managing and coaching several successful ladies teams in the 1990s. A true gentleman, his contribution in those early years was simply invaluable.

Denis ‘Chawkie’ Lenihan gave so much to Newport Town AFC and will always be remembered with great fondness and gratitude by all who knew him. A tenacious player and true leader on the field, he lined out mainly at full back and sweeper centre half and was a pivotal captaining part of the club’s triple-winning side of the early 1990s. Off the field, his commitment never faded. He went on to manage and coach successful junior men’s teams and served for many years as a dedicated committee member and club secretary. His leadership helped guide the purchase and development of the grounds at Derryleigh, while his encouragement, guidance, and support for young players and club administrators left a lasting mark on the club.
 
Jody Lenihan made a significant contribution to the history and development of Newport Town AFC. As a player and mentor, he was part of some of the successful teams of the 1980s and early 1990s. He later gave valued service as a manager and coach to both schoolboy and junior men’s teams, supporting the development of many players. He also played an important leadership role on the committee, helping to oversee the purchase and development of Derryleigh. From the 1980s through to the late 2010s, Jody provided steady stewardship, sound judgment and long-term commitment to the progress of Newport Town AFC. He remains a loyal supporter and can still be seen on the bank cheering on Newport’s teams.

Martin Bonfield (RIP) was a true friend of Newport Town AFC and a passionate supporter of the club’s Ladies teams. He played an instrumental role in their foundation and development, and his influence on the Ladies section during the 1990s was immense. At a time when both the Ladies and schoolboy sections were growing, Martin gave generously of his time as a coach and mentor, offering encouragement, guidance and commitment to so many players. A true gentleman in every sense, he was deeply respected and warmly regarded throughout the club. Martin’s kindness, dedication and friendship left a lasting mark on Newport Town AFC.

Joe Ryan played a hugely important role in the early story of Newport Town AFC’s schoolboy club. On his return to Newport from the UK, he was instrumental in sustaining the fledgling schoolboy section through the 1980s and 1990s, helping to lay foundations that would shape the club for years to come. Many of the young players he coached and encouraged went on to become leaders within the club, contributing to its growth and success. Joe brought countless youngsters to matches across Tipperary and Limerick in the famous yellow Panini Stickers jerseys, creating memories and setting history in motion as a wonderful coach, mentor and friend to the football family of kids. Joe’s kindness, humour and encouragement left a lasting mark on generations. Thanks, Joe, for the bus trips, the great days, the laughs, and the football memories.

Mike Larkin made a lasting contribution to the early story of Newport Town AFC. Part of the proud Larkin family tradition in the early club during the 1970s and 1980s, Mike was a tough, resilient player and a determined competitor who set high standards on the field. Off it, he served as an astute administrator during the club’s formative years as it established itself in the local leagues. Mike was one of the early giants on whose efforts the club was built. As football in Newport grew from a street game into a team game, Mike played his part with loyalty and commitment. A keen follower of the club over the decades, he never forgot his roots. Thank you, Mike, for everything.


Hall of Fame Recipients 2015

The newest names to be added to Newport Town AFC’s Hall of Fame plaque were unveiled at a well attended presentation in the Barrack Lounge in O’Sullivan’s Bar on Sunday, December 20 2015. The Hall of Fame honours and acknowledges the soccer club’s appreciation to men and women past and present who have contributed greatly to our club since its foundation back in 1970. The newest recipients were Paschal Harvey, Paddy Jones, Jimmy Ryan, John Larkin R.I.P., Nicky English Snr. R.I.P., Jimmy Bourke, Martin Lenihan, John O’Brien, Richie O’Brien, Mike Roche, Nicky English Jnr. & Mary Jo O’Sullivan.

The posthumous awards for John Larkin & Nicky English Snr. were accepted by Eoin Larkin & Nicky Jnr. Unfortunately Jimmy Ryan & Richie O’Brien were unable to attend the event.

A certificate of appreciation was also given to Martin Ryan, the local correspondent of the Nenagh Guardian for his support of the club down through the years. Click here for some images from the ceremony and below are a few words on each of the worthy recipients.

Paddy Jones: Served as a player, committee member and chairman. He was captain of the 1991 double winning team. Paddy was always a quiet man in goals and never had a bad word to say about his defenders! Today he signs his lotto tickets with his signature of “Number 1”. Thanks Paddy for all your hard work throughout the years.

Paschal Harvey: Paschal has been a loyal member of Newport Town AFC for many years, as a player in his early years and as a committee member later on. Paschal was one of best Lotto sellers for many years holds the record for most tickets sold in one night! Congratulations Paschal and thanks.

John Larkin: It was with great sadness when the club lost one of its great players John Larkin. John was one of three brothers who starred for Newport Town AFC for many years. His legacy is carried on today by his son Eoin.

Nicky English Senior: Our former chairman Nicky Snr was another great loss to the club. Nicky loved selling Lotto tickets at the Ballinahinch gamble, in Lee’s and O Sullivan’s pub. His last soccer club outing was to the Aviva Stadium where history was made for the club.

Nicky English Junior: Like father like son. Probably one of the best players to ever play for Newport Town AFC. Nicky served as club treasurer for many years and played a pivotal role in the purchase of Derryleigh Park. Thanks Nicky for your service to the club.

Jimmy Ryan: Jimmy was one of our first underage managers in the early eighties when we won the North Tipp U12 League and Cup double. Jimmy was always held in high esteem by our schoolboy players many of whom are now playing with the Junior teams. Thanks Jimmy for all your hard work.

Jimmy Bourke: Jimmy is one of our former full backs who played in the Clare league with the club. Jimmy was Junior team manager in the late seventies and early eighties when we beat Ballynanty Rovers in the Saxon Cup the week before they played the FAI Junior Cup final. Jimmy will always be remembered for dropping 3 of our best players Speedy (RIP), Nicky and Supermac for 2 weeks for consuming alcohol the night before a match. Thanks Jimmy.

John O’Brien: A stalwart of the club who for many years served as a player and chairman. He will be remembered for his great second half display against Pike Rovers as a 17 year old when he was switched onto Tony Ward who was giving Mattie a lesson in the game. John was one of the main instigators in purchasing Derryleigh Park. Thanks John for all your hard work down through the years and your continuing effort in selling Lotto tickets.

Richie O Brien: Another O’Brien brother who played for the club in the Clare and Limerick leagues. Richie also served as a manager and committee member for many years. We were sorry to see him move to Limerick but he is still travelling out every Sunday morning to Derryleigh Park as one of our best supporters. Thanks Richie for your support.

Mike Roche: Mike was one of our greatest club administrators for many years. He played a pivotal role in the purchase of the land for Derryleigh Park. Mike was also involved in training and managing our Junior teams. We appreciate all work you have done down through the years Mike. Thanks.

Martin Lenihan: Martin “Mattie” Lenihan played for Newport Town throughout the seventies and eighties both outfield and in goals. He also served as a committee member and managed many schoolboy and junior teams. In the late 80’s along with some other parents he started the Street League which eventually evolved into the schoolboys section of the club. Mattie is also NTAFC’s official box and spoon player. Thanks Mattie.

Mary Jo O’Sullivan: What can we say about Mary Joe who has been involved with the club since 1970, from the giving of Freigh Park for many years to the use of her premises for committee meetings in the old pool room. Many the drink was drank, many the story was told and here’s hoping it will continue for many years to come. Thanks Mary Joe for all your kindness and service through the years.

Hall of Fame Recipients 2014

On Sunday December 21st 2014 NTAFC Chairperson Ailbe Coffey along with Cllr. Fiona Bonfield officially unveiled the club’s contribution to football plaque in O’Sullivan’s. The plaque is to show the club’s appreciation to men and women past and present who contributed greatly to our club since its foundation back in 1970. The names below are mostly founding members. Other names will be added over the coming years.

Martin O’Sullivan: Martin made Freigh available for soccer when it was not very popular to do so. He gave every support possible to the club, the only problem came when trying to cut the field to get it ready for the season, as grass was very precious to Martin.

John Murray: He was one of the main instigators and played for many years before immigrating to Australia where he still resides today.

Martin ‘Speedy’ Carroll: It was with great sadness when the club lost one of its greatest servants in 2014. Speedy played for the club for over 20 years.

Martin O’Leary: Another founding member who sadly passed away recently, he played for many years and was the carpenter who helped make and put up our first set of goalposts.

Paddy McLoughlin: Better known as Hockey, Paddy was at the club from the very start. He played for many years before moving away to Newcastlewest.

Johnny Ryan ‘Boola’: Finally we come to another great club servant who gave years as both a player and club officer. Johnny in the early years gave up his time to go to the weekly league meetings in Ennis, during our time in the Clare League. Still going to watch the ‘A’ team 45 years later Johnny is one of the club’s greatest servents.