Newport Town AFC – Contribution to football recipients

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 at our AGM in May and Christmas Draw’s for the coming years.

A full gallery of images can be viewed here.

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.