Lisahally Listener Fans' Player of the Year

Noel O'Donnell has been declared the Lisahally Listener Fans' Player of the Year, taking 39% of the vote in the online poll. This season will be O'Donnell's last, as he hangs up his boots, but he has capped off his Lisahally career with an impressive host of accolades, turning in amazing performances both on and off the field. The award is well deserved and the Lisahally Listener wishes to praise O'Donnell's sterling contribution to the Lisahally cause throughout his career. Indeed, he will be a hard man to replace.

Towering centre-half, John Robertson came in a close second, taking 32% of the vote and many Lisahally fans felt that 'Big J.R.' was an indispensable component in Lisahally's defence this season. He has drawn praise from all quarters, for his strength and determination, not to mention his devastating aerial prowess in both boxes.

Coming in third, with 16% of the vote was Mark Duffy. The self-proclaimed 'Big Man' has had an eventful season, which was well documented by the Listener. Duffy overcame personal demons at the beginning of the season to ensure that his name was a permanent fixture on the team-sheet, through his tremendous performances on the right side of the pitch. The dynamic character may still earn an accolade this season, as a number of his goals are rumoured to have made the long-list for the Goal of the Season award.

Double Trouble

Last weekend Lisahally defeated rivals Trojans on the hallowed turf of the Brandywell to finish the 2010-2011 season as 'Double' winners.

Champions
From left to right: Danny Brown, Noel O'Donnell and Rory Kirk

The success is unprecedented and is undoubtedly a strong testament to both the players' and managers' determination to transform the fortunes of the club. Indeed, the fortunes of the club have been remarkably transformed, and Lisahally Football Club once again occupies an important place in the heart of the Strathfoyle community, with games on Sunday regularly drawing a large number of spectators. Such a development is a welcome one because it provides the community with something to rally around, which fosters a healthy sense of community spirit. I, for one, hope that it continues long into the future.

Meanwhile, we have a long Summer ahead of us, and it is a perfect opportunity for the community of Strathfoyle to work together to further improve the fortunes of Lisahally Football Club and, arguably, the overall quality of life for those who reside in Strathfoyle and in the surrounding area of Enagh. The establishment of Lisahally youth football, for example, would be a start, as it would present a wonderful outlet for sports and recreation. The progress of the club will be a slow process, but, the team has shown what can be achieved in the space of one season. Hopefully, with the support of the community, greater progress can be made a reality.