NEWPORT – Proud residents of Newport’s 5th ward came out to celebrate the dedication of a new statue of Irish MMA champion Conor McGregor. In early 2024 a stash of money was found in the local church basement that senior residents claim was originally set aside in the 1970s to buy bazookas for the IRA. Parishioners intended to use the funds for the original purpose, but bazookas were no longer affordable due to tariffs. After many heated debates and multiple bottles of Jameson, it was decided the McGregor statue was the next best use of the money. Native 5th Warder Seamus Killebrew McMurtry O’Brien O’Shaughnessy said the statue was sure to raise the spirits of the local community during the unbearable 364 days a year between St. Patrick’s Day parades.