‘There’s a void when you stop playing’ – former Newry City boss Darren Mullen on club’s new past players association

Former Newry City boss Darren Mullen is secretary of the Past Players Association

Newry City past players, along with IFA Club Development Officer Dean Holmes and NCAFC Committee Members Pat Craven, Paddy McGrath and Vice-Chairman Gary Wilson at the launch of the Past Players Association at The Showgrounds

Former Newry City manager Darren Mullen and club legend Ollie Ralph have warmly welcomed the first Past Players Association established in Northern Ireland.

The group will unite former Newry players to play matches and reconnect those who have worn the blue and white stripes.

Two recent Newry City Legends fundraising matches against their counterparts from both Liverpool and Manchester United helped to get the Association up and running.

Mullen, who has taken on the role of Association secretary, stepped down as manager of Newry City at the end of last season.

Newry City past players, along with IFA Club Development Officer Dean Holmes and NCAFC Committee Members Pat Craven, Paddy McGrath and Vice-Chairman Gary Wilson at the launch of the Past Players Association at The Showgrounds

In his 10 years in charge of his hometown club, he twice led the club to promotion to the top flight.

“You have lads there who maybe haven’t been around the club in a while or haven’t seen the team play and now they’re back involved,” explained Mullen.

“It’s hugely important from a mental health and social point of view. Whilst you have legends like Ollie Ralph and Harry Fay involved, you have people like me -— 1990 Reserve Player of the Year. You’re going from one extreme to the other. It doesn’t matter who you are, if you’ve kicked a ball for the club and want to be involved then we want to have you there.

“There’s a massive void once you