01/08/2025
Jackie Sheridan,
Newry spud
I had the pleasure of chatting with Jackie from Newry spud. A big thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!
Newry spud is Newry’s biggest and most followed page on social media with over 64k followers. He has kept the people of Newry laughing with his posts and great wit for the last 10 years! 🙂
If you haven’t yet, go like and follow his page! ❤️
My name is Jackie Sheridan, I'm 45 but look 18, I'm from Bessbrook, the Green Road to be precise. Although I've lived in Belfast for many years and I'm now back home living in the metropolis that is Newry.
I was educated by the Nuns at primary school where I went to St Joseph's on the convent hill in Bessbrook. Those days were interesting with many let's say colourful teachers. Sister Finbar took no prisoners. As for secondary school it was literally a 30 seconds walk away from my house, that was St Paul's. A brilliant school that first ignited my passion for literature thanks to a very special teacher, Mrs Kathleen Farrell.
My favourite thing about Newry is that the people will always help each other. We see it happening every time a family face a crisis the people come out in force and help fundraise for them. The thing that drives me crazy about the town is that with all small close knit communities you'll always find a small amount of people who want to see you fail.
What is the story behind newry spud how did it begin?
Boredom is the short answer. I was in my house in Belfast one Christmas and I always loved satirical news. So I thought, why not do one that's local. My first attempt was the "Belfast TeleDaft" but I quickly realised I didn't know enough about Belfast to make it work. I made the Newry Spud on a whim, then I got great help and support from a good friend Paul Malone who owns Newry Times the news website. That's when things began to take shape.
Was there a defining moment when you realized the page was really gaining traction?
Probably my first 1000 followers. I thought to myself, wait, this could be something good. Then I did a story about Gary Boyd from Boyd's clothes shop and it exploded. That's when I knew I had a winner.
How many people are behind the scenes running the page ? Is it just yourself or do you have a team?
It's just me. I've only ever been the writer and editor of the page. Sometimes that works against me as I don't have a sounding board to bounce ideas of. That has got me into trouble at times.
How do you come up with new content ideas ?
I keep an eye on trends on social media and try to make them into Newry and south Armagh relevent content. It's time consuming but when I get people saying a story, video or meme made their day then it's worth it.
With such a big following count , over 64k , do you feel like you have a sense of responsibility over what you post?
Yes, it's been a huge learning curve and one I still fail at. I sometimes post with my own emotions and I don't think of the consequences for the people or particularly the business involved. I am always trying to do better but inevidently I will fail to strike the right balance from time to time.
Did you ever imaging a page from Newry would reach 64k followers considering Newry only has a population of about 28k?
No, I thought I reached my peak at 5k. I also have around 10k followers on Instagram. I don't use that platform enough to be honest. But, it never surprises me how many people still follow this silly thing that I started.
What advice would you give to someone young in Newry with a creative idea like yours ?
Keep posting, don't listen to the haters and never give up on an idea that you know is something you are passionate about.
