14 Newry Groups Awarded Grants by Brian Conlon Foundation

16 Apr 2025

14 local groups in the Newry area are set to receive grants from the Brian Conlon Foundation, supporting a wide range of programmes — from youth therapy and inclusive boxing to music and mentoring. Each successful group will receive funding between £1,149 and £3,500 to help deliver their valuable initiatives.

The Brian Conlon Foundation was established in memory of Brian Conlon, a hugely successful and highly regarded figure in the Newry area and in the wider sports and business community. Best known for his involvement in Gaelic football and as the founder of First Derivatives, a leading provider of products and consulting services to some of the world’s largest finance, technology and energy institutions.

The Community Foundation Northern Ireland is proud to work in partnership with the Conlon family and The Brian Conlon Foundation to continue his legacy by supporting causes that were close to his heart and that he was passionate about.

The Brian Conlon Foundation stated:  
“We are delighted to again be able to make these awards to groups in the Newry area. The continued interest shown by local groups in this fund, created in memory of Brian is heart-warming and reflective of the fantastic work that is carried out across the city and the surrounding areas.

“The connection Brian had with Newry is well known. He was passionate about creating opportunities in his hometown and making a real difference to people’s lives.  The Foundation reflects Brian’s values and allows his spirit to live on whilst making a positive tangible contribution to the community he was so proud of.”

“It’s fantastic to see such a wide range of groups and clubs applying — this year, there were more applications than ever before. It’s a clear sign that the awards are a real asset to Newry, and a testament to the lasting impact of Brian’s legacy. He would be proud.”

Orla Black, Director of Grants at the Community Foundation added:  
“The continued awarding of these grants to local groups in the Newry area is making a meaningful and lasting impact. This year’s 14 successful groups represent a wide range of backgrounds, all united by a shared commitment to improving opportunities in education, amateur sport, and employment — with a particular focus on children and young people.”
“The funding truly does live up to the legacy of Brian whom the fund is in memory of aimed at investing in opportunities in Newry, the town that he loved.”

About Brian Conlon 

Brian passed away in July 2019 after a short illness, aged 53.  Entrepreneur and founder of First Derivatives, he was a much-loved father, husband, son, brother, friend, and colleague. Hugely successful in many walks of life, Brian was a high achiever in education, in sport and in business. When a knee injury ended his senior gaelic football career with Co- Down, Brian turned his attention to business and set up First Derivatives from a bedroom in his mother’s home. It is now one of NI’s most successful businesses employing over 2,500 people globally. Despite his successes’, Brian remained a humble and grounded family man who faced both challenges and opportunities in his own life and who supported local and national causes in a quiet and understated way.

About the Community Foundation NI

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is an independent, grant making trust, inspiring generosity, and achieving impact across Northern Ireland. Over the past five years we have awarded £52 million in funding to groups and organisations across the region, making contributions to education, health, housing, the arts, social justice, employment, environmental projects and peace and reconciliation, impacting over 3,988 projects.

To find out more about the Community Foundation please visit: www.communityfoundationni.org