'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.