AN URMSTON singer’s rendition of a well known Irish folk ballad has been adopted as the official anthem of Newry City Athletic Football Club.

The Mid Ulster League side will play Wayne Devlin’s version of Danny Boy on the terraces next season after hearing the version Wayne recorded at Media City’s Unit 26 studios.

Wayne, well known for his Frank Sinatra tribute performances, was encouraged to record the tune after a performance of it on BBC Radio Manchester went viral last month.

“It’s just gone crazy since I first performed this on the radio,” said Wayne, who was filmed recording the track by Irish TV.

“I've just been booked on a radio show in the Netherlands this weekend and in New York on a jazz station. The track is being played over there too.

“But the icing on the cake for me is that Newry have adopted the song as their anthem.

“This means so much to me because my father, Patrick Joseph Devlin, the man who taught me to sing, came from Newry. He would be so proud if he were alive today.”

Newry City AFC chairman Martin McLoughlin listened to the track on BBC Radio Manchester before hearing it again on QRadio in Northern Ireland.

“We at Newry City AFC wish Wayne all the best with this fantastic version of a great song,” said Mr McLoughlin.

“This will be our club anthem and we will be playing it on the terraces from now on. Great to see an old Newry name, 'Devlin', in the music headlines.”

Wayne’s version of Danny Boy is available via CD and digital download at waynedevlin.com