'I'd love to play for Lisahally' - Former player Adam Hamilton

Following in the footsteps of his father Drew Macrory, Adam Hamilton began his football career as a goalkeeper and showed tremendous promise in his early years.

He was a member of a 'Golden Age' of football in Strathfoyle, which saw youth teams led by Lawrence Mullan and Raymond Whoriskey flourish locally and nationally, and he made his debut for Lisahally at the age of 16.

"Big Mark Doherty was centre half when I first played for Lisahally," recalls Hamilton. "That's about all I can remember, it was that long ago."

He has since decided to leave the gloves behind him and is now plying his trade as a full back for IFA North West Junior League side Churchill United, but having made a brief cameo appearance for Lisahally last year, Hamilton is keen to re-join his local team.

"I'd love to play for Lisahally now that I don't work on Sundays," he told the Listener. "I'd say I'm good enough to be a squad player, but it'd be tough to push for a starting position because they're a great side.

"I'm playing well enough for Churchill at the minute and I've been working on ironing out my silly mistakes, so we'll see what happens."

Indeed, the Stradowen native has attracted considerable attention in recent weeks, with his ability to play in a number of positions considered an asset and several clubs are monitoring his availability.

"I had an offer from Ballymoore there, but I'd rather play for my local team," he said. "Maybe (Lisahally manager) Stroker will send a scout to the next few Churchill games and hopefully I'll get a chance to be a 'wee dog' again," concluded Hamilton.

Lisahally will face Culmore at the Strathfoyle Arena on Sunday December 3. Kick off 11:30am. Supporters are advised to bring a flask of tea and a bag of Mega Meanies (for Kieran McGlinchey).

'We can win the league within two years' - Lisahally captain Jai White

Lisahally captain Jai White believes that the Strathfoyle Men can win the Derry and District Premier Division in the future, but warned that the team must remain consistent in their efforts.

A no-nonsense footballer, lion-hearted White has been an integral cog in the club's recent successes and it is no surprise that he has been awarded the captain's armband after Noel O'Donnell made the decision to hang up his boots.

His commitment to Lisahally is unquestionable, as he demonstrates each week by always endeavouring to make himself available to play for his local team, despite overtures from League of Ireland side St Patrick's Athletic.

"There's no truth to the rumour that I'm on my way to Richmond Park," White told the Listener. "I am 100 per cent committed to Lisahally."

White refused to be drawn on his recent scathing criticism of players not turning up on Sundays but when asked about how he felt the season had gone thus far, White said that it was fairly 'up and down'.

"We got off to a slow start again this year due to players having Gaelic football commitments - which is understandable," he said. "But with young Ryan Twist and Paul McIvor added to the squad the future is looking bright."

He continued: "In terms of results, we've been a bit 'Jekyll and Hyde' - we just don't know which Lisahally is going to turn up.

"Our results have improved on last season's, so that's a bonus and (manager) Stroker has us well drilled. He believes that we can win the league within the next two years and I believe we can."

Ever the professional, White also had a special word of praise for the Lisahally fans. He said: "I want to say a word of thanks to the fans who show up in their numbers week in, week out, rain, hail or snow.

"It's onwards and upwards for Lisahally," he declares.

Lisahally will play Culmore at Strathfoyle Pitch on Sunday December 3. Kick off 11:30 AM.

'We can win the Premier Divison in the next few seasons' - Rory Kirk has confidence in Lisahally's ability

Having toiled for years, Lisahally have finally found their feet after promotion from the First Division, writes former manager

THE BIG DOG'S BARK
by Rory Kirk

After at least ten years in Division One, Lisahally now seem to have settled in to life in the Premier Division. The reason for this, I believe, is due to a number of factors.

The current crop of players is a very talented bunch. They have all come through at the same time and are all around the same age. This is something that we haven't had in a long time and is the basis of a good team.

There is also a different attitude regarding Lisahally these days and I believe that it began two seasons ago when myself and Danny Brown instilled belief and discipline into the squad. We tried to make the team into winners with a 'never say die' attitude, while also stressing the importance of the playing for the fans and we were successful in doing this, as can be seen from the fact that we won the double, gaining promotion. And after last season's early blip (and my moment of madness) Lisah' are back doing what was started when I took charge.

Sometimes the progress we made is overlooked but the recent development is great to see - we have come a long way. I actually believe that we will win the Premier Division in the next few seasons but we need every player to give 100 per cent dedication, heart and belief to achieve it. We can have no superstars at Lisahally and as long as players keep grounded they will achieve their goals. We also need every player to realise that Lisahally is not simply 90 minutes on a Sunday - it is with you for life and if losing doesn't bother you, then you're at the wrong club.


We played for many seasons in recent times with a basic team, but we loved it. We were a team of battlers who gave everything for Lisahally and the legendary Topher. One of the best memories I have of my time with Lisah' was Topher's face the night we won the cup in 2008. It was a true reward the dedication that we put in over the years. These kind of memories are what Lisahally is about and should never be forgotten. Hopefully this new team will give us plenty of memories in the upcoming years.


Lisahally's success is also due to the fans and without them we would have nothing. It is them who you play for and what great days and nights they have given us.


Keep barking 'Wee Doggs' and the good times aren't far away.
Woof woof, Big Dogg.

'I wouldn't swap any of them for any other player in the league' - Lisahally manager Noel O'Donnell praises his squad

Lisahally currently occupy fifth position in the D&D Sunday Morning Premier Divison, six points behind the league leaders and manager Noel O'Donnell believes that it is a reflection of the progress that the club has made over the previous seasons. "Talent wins games," he says. "But teamwork and intelligence win championships."

"This is a lot better than what people thought at the start of the season," said O'Donnell of the team's league position. "Considering that media outlets such as the Derry News had Lisahally down as favourites to be relegated.

"People say that Lisah' are punching above their weight but I think it's the opposite: Lisahally are moving towards their potential. We are not there yet but moving in the right direction," he said.

A former Lisahally captain, O'Donnell made the transition into management last season following the sabbatical of then-manager Rory Kirk and he believes that his players have made his job an easy one by responding positively to his instructions.

"My aim at the start of the season was to insil self belief and confidence into the players," continued the Lisahally boss. "I tell them before each game that I wouldn't swap any of them for any other player in the league and that's the truth.

"I believe in each of them and as a team no great changes were needed - just little tweaks here and there. Going out with the right attitude no matter what level of football you play is key."

Indeed, in the past, the Strathfoyle Men encountered difficulties with players failing to show respect to the club by turning up late, the worse for wear, or sometimes not at all, but O'Donnell believes that the players are now taking their role at the club a lot more seriously.

"The lads had to realise that gone are the days when you could turn up for Lisah 'under the weather', should we say," said the Beechwood man.

"If you do it now, believe me you'll be standing on the sideline with me for a while. We can only push forward as a team when everyone is on top form," he stressed.

And O'Donnell is happy with the level of competition that now exists in the squad, remarking that it 'keeps them on their toes'. He said: "Lisahally have a great squad now, every player is on par with each other and the team will not weaken no matter what changes are made. The players know this and it keeps them on their toes."


The Lisahally boss is also grateful for the level of support the club receives and believes that his team is representing Strathfoyle when they pull on the jersey on Sunday mornings.

"My overall view is that, although it's just a game of football, the Lisah' team are representing Strathfoyle and have a right to go out and perform to the best of their ability each week," suggested O'Donnell.

"Not just for themselves and their teammates, but also for the estate as we have a great following both home and away. No other team in junior football brings such community spirit like Lisahally.

"I would like to thank everyone who helps and supports the club and hopefully we will bring something to cheer about soon enough.

"Believe me it will not be for the lack of trying!"

All Eyes to Next Season

The recent spate of bad luck that has landed Lisahally's way would be enough to demoralise even the most optimistic of individuals. 

Having put in a number of solid performances, the Strathfoyle Men have suffered excruciatingly narrow defeats at the hands of teams at both sides of the table as well as crashing out of the cup on penalties.

A particular bone-of-contention over the past few weeks has been referee performances with fans and players alike bemoaning the questionable decision-making of a number of referees in recent games.

In the aftermath of the league defeat to Three Flowers, in which Lisahally had a claim for a penalty turned down and a player dismissed, a prominent member of the Lisahally No.1 Supporters Club suggested that some officials have an agenda: "From what I see standing on the sideline, someone is going to get seriously hurt.

"Lisahally players are not given any protection by the referees. It seems as though some of these boys have been sent out to make sure Lisahally lose."

Club captain, Jai White also expressed his frustration, saying that "some of these referees are a joke. You'd swear they were cheating".

Nevertheless, on the performance side of things, it appears that there are nothing but good vibes emanating from the club and with Lisahally secure in the Premier League, manager Noel O'Donnell has expressed his belief in the ability of his players.

Speaking to the Listener, O'Donnell said, "I think everyone is keen to see the back of this season. We were all over the place at the start of the season, but I think that as the season went on the team definitely improved.

"There is a great buzz about the club at the moment. I'm really excited about next season, even at this early stage, as are the lads, and I think Lisahally will surprise a few people.

When asked about his team's chances for the forthcoming season, O'Donnell was extremely upbeat: "One thing's for sure, Lisahally will be nowhere near a relegation fight next season."

"They are a better team than what they believe and it will be my aim to instill that self-belief so that they will perform consistently at the level that I know they can."

With a strong squad already assembled, Lisahally will need to hit the ground running next season with an intense pre-season if they are to reach the heights that O'Donnell believes they are capable of.

All Time Lisahally XI : Shaun Whoriskey

It has been suggested that Shaun Whoriskey holds the record for most appearances for Lisahally and indeed, that may well be true. The strong centre back is part of the Whoriskey dynasty that has contributed so much to Lisahally over the years. Here is what he said:

"I didn’t consider young players like Mark Duffy , Petie Doherty  and most of the players playing at the minute. 

"They will be considered some of the best players in years to come.  
 

"I’ve probably forgotten to put a few players in the team who are maybe as good as some of the players mentioned."

Lisahally all-time 11.

1. GK  Nial Walker.  Nial only played for a couple of seasons but he was very solid and hardly put a foot wrong.
2. RB  Sean Hargan.  Sean was quick, strong and maybe the best header of a ball that I’ve seen play for Lisahally.  
3. LB  Decky Brown.  Decky could have played at a higher level.  He has always been a great defender with his biggest strength being his composure on the ball.  He will bring a ball down on his chest that most will head clear.
4. CB  Libby Mullan.  He’s the best defender that I’ve seen play for Lisahally.  He had excellent ability on the ball and scored loads of goals.
5. CB  David Ogilby.  David played mainly up front for Lisahally but when he played at the back you could see that he was a class above the rest.
6. RW  Colin Moran.  Colin was lightning quick which defenders found hard to handle.  He maybe could have played at a higher level but retired early.  
7. LW  Donovan Collins.  Donovan only played a few seasons but he was the best left winger that I’ve seen play for Lisahally.  He was quick and skilful and with the ability to score plenty of goals.  It’s a shame that he didn’t play much more games for Lisahally.
8. CM  Topher Whoriskey.  I’m biased but he’s the best player that I’ve seen play for Lisahally.  He was hard in the tackle and had great composure on the ball.  He could have played for any team in the D & D but was very loyal to Lisahally.
9. CM  Noel O’Donnell.  Noel has always been a class or 3 above the rest of us boys.  He probably has the most natural ability of any player to come out of Strathfoyle.  He can do things with a ball that the rest of us can only dream of.
10. CF  Paul Lowry.  Noggs is another who’s lightning quick. He was outstanding for the few years that he played with Lisahally.  He’s a nightmare to mark as he’s so quick and skilful.  He probably should have scored more goals but he still scored plenty and created many of the chances himself.  
11. CF  Diesel Brown.  Chris will go down as one of the best players ever to play for Lisahally.  He was a quick and skilful striker who scored loads of goal.  Like Noel he also must be one of the most natural footballers to come out of Strathfoyle

Sub 1.  Spike Doherty.  Spike is very underrated.  He’s a great shot stopper and is great with his feet for a keeper.  Without Spike we wouldn’t have won the 2 cups in recent years.
Sub 2.  Rory Kirk.  Like Spike without the fight and heart of Rory we wouldn’t have won the cups over the last few yrs.  
Sub 3.  Noel Coyle.  Coyle has always been a very good footballer with an excellent range of passing.  He doesn’t get the credit that he deserves.
Sub 4.  Mark Tracey.  Mark is another defender who was very composed at the back.  He could also play midfield and has definitely been one our best players of the years.
Sub 5.  Jai White.  Jai is one of the best defenders to have played for Lisahally.  He could have played at a higher level and still could.

Rory's Report: Lisahally 3 - 0 Celtic Swifts

Lisahally 3 - Celtic Swifts 0
by Rory Kirk on Sunday, 20 November 2011 at 19:02.

Well hello sports fans and what a good day for Lisahally down in the Stra Arena earlier as they recorded a fine victory and gained a massive three points. With the November heatwave continuing it was a fine morning down at our riverside location and the Beechwood venue was in some nick and credit must go to our groundsmen for preparing such a surface. This morning I also got the shock of my life when Decky Brown was one of the first players to arrive in changing rooms, whatever Jai told him has certainly worked as he was back to his best today and had a great game - nice to see him sober.

Today also seen the return of the new over 40s cult hero Fergie from his hibernation and he once again looks older. As the supporters started to gather there was a high level of anticipation on what Lisah' would show up. Half the supporters were also drunk as skunks due to the Carlsberg promotion in Molins last night and it will be a noisy night down in the club tonight as they celebrate today's victory. Rumour has it 3 pound Danny is going to sing a wee Gareth Brooks number to his number one wag, weren't those oranges at half time lovely today again?

I last seen the bag of oranges flying over the quarry at a fast rate, last boy to go over the quarry like that landed in a washing machine! Who was it? With the three pounds gathered and the usual "change the rigs twice" trick carried out it was time for warm ups and pre-match talks from our elder statesmen to rouse the wee doggs into battle. Most players looked fresh but a few look tired due to their late night antics of ringing there boyfriends to wish them goodnight (Aidy). There were a few absentees today which included recently engaged birthday boy Emmett "Shuh", "Fernando" Doherty injured and Micky Cooke and Jonny Hume who had to attend a hair dressing convention in Belfast. These boys after today will find it hard to break back into the team as competition for places is now heating up and no one is safe.

Returning however to the squad today was the prodigal son Kieran Mc Glinchey and he had the nerve to take Lisah' legend Shaun "one gear" Whoriskey's seat - they must have taught him no manners at Downeys at all. It was however great to see him back and he had a great game and has the pace at the back to help out auld "one gear" Whoriskey. Today also seen the debut of the wee hobbit Robbie Hume and he is another great addition to squad. It was great to see so many young wee doggs playing together as a team. Celtic Swifts had a much more youthful team out today than last time and to be fair gave Lisah' a good game.

First half started at lightning pace with end to end action. The wee doggs looked well up for it and I could sense early on that a victory was on the cards today. The breakthrough came from ace marksman Barry Murray after a goalmouth scramble and he flicked it home with ease. The goal will hopefully erase all memories of the well documented Ronnie Rozenthal moment yesterday with "Egahally FC". With Shaun, J.R, Decky and Judas keeping it tight and simple at the back and Big Joe "Gomes" in nets, Lisah' were in full control. The midfield partnership of Jai and Mc Shan' were invincible in centre of the park and the two Sugar poster boys of Duffs and Aidy bombing the wings it was just a matter of time until we hit the second.

The second goal was worth the £5 entrance fee when the wee new houses man Robbie Hume sent his 25 yard free kick curling around the wall and into the bottom left hand corner to make it two nil and a great debut goal. Lisah' were now moving through the gears, the sidelines were in love with the team again and even "Sticks" and the salmon Mc Al made a surprise appearance. How many sidelines would provide support like it, roll on The Longfield and Spike's Teenage Kicks. Although in control, Lisah' did not add to the scoreline before half time and the only other highlight was captain Jai sending the ref flying for getting in his way. With the halftime whistle blown it was like ten o'clock down in Centra's belly counter on DLA day with the fight for those delicious oranges on the sideline. Not much talking was required from Stroker and Wee Bull as the team was doing exactly as asked so we all went a walk around the Otters Bank and then a game of Hunts up in the new houses until the second half started. The half time question was,

•What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and grey when it's used up?

The second half got under way and whatever the Swifts men were drinking at half time seemed to work as the looked a better team second half and started to get into game. Lisahally started to sit back and soak up the pressure and Swifts slipped an extra man into midfield. It was now Lisahally's turn to experience some pressure. We went quiet and started to panic a wee bit at the back but with Big Joe "Gomes-tripod-white Drogba in nets he kept Lisahally in it with a fine display of goal keeping. A great prospect for future years. His brother big JR was last night seen with Jai and Joe up at six mass singing with Father Colhoun and JR's prayers were answered when he recieved a nasty head injury and ended up resembling something out of Aliens - just need Sigourney Weaver to hunt him down now.

However the power of prayer helped him - me and him said a wee rosary going off the pitch with Jai and big Joe singing the old rugged cross in the background. This sub seen the return of Stroker on the playing front and he used his experience to quell the Celtic storm. Next sub was the nephew of Hard Baps, big John Marshall and he marked it with scoring his first goal in Lisahally colours with a diving header that hit his shoulder and ended up in the back of the net - a real collector's item and a goal he will cherish. I should also mention that wee Duffs put in a pinpoint cross for the goal before I come to the good part.

With the game now over as a contest Lisah started to regain control again and it should really have been four nil but for a potential miss of the season from wee Duffs - his sister Bronagh would have scored it. With the "Fields of Athenry" now ringing around the arena followed by a rendition of that old classic "Who Let the Doggs Out", the game came to a close and the supporters headed back into Beirut happy and looking forward to their Sunday dinners and free pints of carlsberg.

This was a massive three points for Lisahally as it was our first home win in league and with league leaders 3 flowers coming to Strathganistan next Sunday we needed a good head of steam before taking on the cream buns from Coshquin. There were happy scenes in the changing rooms after game and it was good to see the wee doggs back barking and enjoying themselves in the showers with eachother. This today was also record cap holder "one gear" Shaun "Féin"'s last game as hopefully very shortly Danielle produces the next generation of Stra Whoriskey footballer and he wont be allowed out anymore to play.

Topher also said if its a boy that he is buying everyone connnected with Lisah' a pint. All the best Shaun and enjoy your retirement and welcome to the real world come birth. Anyway I must go as I can hear the 'Pool fans outside celebrating winning the league again and "Strictly" is nearly on. Great performance today from all players and management and backroom staff including Evergreen Hargan who apparently needs a new kit man - application forms available from Maccers. Keep on barking and we will keep on supporting and helping build a potential team of league winners. Woof Woof, The Big Dogg