Prizegiving 2011

The Lisahally Listener was present at Lisahally's annual prizegiving last night and it is fair to say that it was an enjoyable evening. Lisahally legends from years gone by were present in all shapes and forms. Former Lisahally stalwart and current Coleraine captain, David Ogilby, took time out from his busy schedule to present the award winners with their trophies. The Lisahally Listener said a few words prior to the presentation:

On behalf of the Lisahally Listener, I would like to extend my congratulations to all involved with Lisahally Football Club for a remarkable season of achievement. From the managers and the players, who worked extremely hard all season, right through to the loyal fans, whose support was undoubtedly an essential element in the success of the club.

The 2010/2011 season is one which will go down as a turning point in the history of Lisahally F.C.. The beginning of the season saw the installation of a new and unproven management team in the form of Rory Kirk and Danny Brown, who took over the reins from longstanding manager Topher Whoriskey. Admittedly there were a few raised eyebrows around Strathfoyle at this appointment, but as the season unfolded the fans were quickly reassured that these were the right men to move Lisahally forward and here we are now, celebrating an unprecedented league and cup double - the most outstanding achievement in the club’s history.

Throughout the season the fans have had the joy of following the team through ups and downs and the Lisahally Listener is proud to be a part of that journey. We have witnessed the rise of heroes such as Mark Duffy, an absolute role model and inspiration to the younger generation, who demonstrated how, with hard work and determination, it is easy to overcome one‘s demons. Move over Paul McShane. On the other hand, we have also seen players plunged into controversy. Take, for example, the unceremonious fall from grace of a former Lisahally lynchpin, Kieran McGlinchey, who, like Judas, turned his back on his local club for thirty pieces of silver. Maybe some time in the future we will see the return of the prodigal son, who knows?

Thankfully, while these individual occurrences contribute to the drama surrounding the club, they do not inform its fortunes, for Lisahally’s success was built on a format of team spirit and uncompromising effort. Another key factor in the success is the fact that the local youth was encouraged to get involved with the club. This is something which must continue if the club is to continue progressing as a centrepiece in the community. Indeed there has been very little in the recent history of Strathfoyle that has conjured such an impressive display of community spirit as much as the exploits of Lisahally F.C. have done. Such developments are a resounding testament to the commitment and success of those involved with the club and long may it continue.