Improvement Needed

The 2010 – 2011 season was a massive success for Lisahally Football Club and indeed the people of the Enagh area. The Strathfoyle men experienced a season of unprecedented glory, clinching a league and cup double, in turn securing promotion to the top division. It has since been a relatively quiet summer in Strathfoyle, but there have been several recent developments which may be a cause for concern to the management.

Veteran player Sean Hargan, whose experience was absolutely vital in Lisahally's success last season, has made the decision to hang up his boots in order to invest his abilities in management, having taken on the responsibility of steering the fortunes of Eglinton F.C. However it could potentially prove to be a problematic move for Lisahally, as Hargan has encouraged a large portion of the Lisahally first team to join him as he embarks on his managerial debut. The Lisahally management has yet to comment on the situation, but playing football on Saturday as well as Sunday undoubtedly heightens the risk of injury and exhaustion, and if Lisahally are to compete at a higher level they will require all of their players to act professionally and be at the top of their game. Obviously this is not professional football; players are effectively volunteers and are not bound to one club, but the impact is potentially detrimental. It must be noted that this is not a tirade against Hargan, who has served Lisahally admirably over the years, or indeed Eglinton F.C., the responsibility ultimately rests with the players.

Rory Kirk was said to have been absolutely furious at the turnout at the club's initial pre-season training session, where remarkably only two senior players were present. He questioned the loyalty and desire of the players in the aftermath, remarking that he was worried for the coming season. In addition to the low turnout, there was further disappointment as young player Peter Mahon suffered a horrendous ankle break, one which will possibly rule him out for the majority of the season. The injury is seen as an enormous blow to Lisahally, as Mahon is widely considered to be a player with great potential and Lisahally's squad is already quite small. Utility player Conor Mullan will also miss the beginning of the season due to commitments in the U.S.A. Former captain and talisman, Noel O'Donnell has retired and it remains to be seen who will fill his boots

If Lisahally are to continue their progress, it is crucial that the foundation they possess be strengthened and, with the retirement of experienced players such as Sean Hargan and Noel O'Donnell, two young players already ruled out, with only one player added to the squad, not to mention the worries over players' priorities, the future does not look particularly bright. The opening game of the season was a disaster for Lisahally and while Tristar possess Derry football luminary “Ug” and a number of semi-professionals in their squad, such as Aaron Nash and Mark Nicell, the defeat of 8-2 is, nevertheless, unacceptable. The Strathfoyle men cruised to promotion last season and they were more than competitive in their outings against Premier Division clubs in the cups, so to suggest that they will be nothing more than “whipping boys” in this league is surely a ludicrous thought. Rory Kirk decided to take the positives from the game and stated that the result will serve as a wake-up call to some of his players, reminding them that they simply cannot rest on their laurels when playing for their local team.

As a closing thought, if Lisahally players are in need motivation, they need not look further than Derry City player Ryan McBride and Sunderland new-boy, James McClean. McBride was playing Saturday morning football in the Derry and District League last season before signing for Derry and this season, aged 21, he has played at the highest level in Ireland, where he impressed so much that Damien Richardson selected him to represent the League of Ireland in the Dublin Super Cup. McClean too has shown how hard work and a burning desire to succeed can catapult a player into a professional career. Having previously played for Trojans in the D&D, McClean played for Derry before earning international recognition and at the age of 22, a contract with Niall Quinn's Sunderland. Therefore to conclude, do yourself a favour and take playing for Lisahally seriously; you never know who is watching.

Lisahally Face Player Crisis

With the 2011/2012 season due to kick off next week, the Lisahally Listener understands that Lisahally are experiencing serious difficulties with players that could possibly affect the fortunes of the Strathfoyle club as it prepares to enter the Premier Division.

Rory Kirk issued a scathing attack on the complete lack of interest being shown by many first teamers, suggesting that perhaps Lisahally is no longer number one priority for his players.

"Maybe other teams have priority over Lisah' now and we are second best." stated the manager, before continuing, "When you have 100-150 loyal fans down at the pitch season long, I know where my priority would be."

Kirk, who has just received recognition from Enagh Youth Forum in their annual "Valuing People Awards" for his sterling contribution to sport in Strathfoyle, has become increasingly frustrated by the dwindling numbers at training sessions and matches.

Player Emmett Kirk has also expressed his concern, stating that "this is probably the biggest season Lisah will have" before concluding that "it's not looking good at all for next season."

It is understood that many of Lisahally's first team have been recruited by former Lisahally player Sean Hargan, who is now manager of Eglinton Football Club.

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.

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.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

It is often said that good things come to those who wait, and this Sunday, after several weeks of delay, Lisahally will be hoping that those words ring true as they face title-rivals Trojans in a game that could potentially decide the league title.

Lisahally have already beaten Trojans this season in a close-fought game at the Brandywell and that, arguably, gives Lisahally the mental advantage. However, nothing can be taken for granted and the Lisahally management have been extremely keen to stress the importance of focus and preparation for this game, a game that may perhaps become a defining moment in the history of the club.

The seemingly perennial wait for the game against Trojans has, nevertheless, been a source of unease in Strathfoyle. Many fans worry that, with no competitive games in a number of weeks, it may disrupt the team’s momentum. However, the management has been proactive, taking steps to ensure that the team remains physically and mentally sharp, including arranging friendly games and long-distance runs. The most recent friendly, against former Ulster Senior League side Drumoghill F.C., finished 2-2. Despite the result, the performance served as an indication that the players still have a burning desire to win the League.

Although the season is far from over, the new regime of Kirk and Brown has proven to be quite capable, silencing the critics; Lisahally have already achieved promotion to the Premier Division and a semi-final place in the cup. Indeed, the unprecedented success has seen attendances soar, both home and away, something which Rory Kirk admits has helped his players enormously.

The game against Trojans will take place in Strathfoyle on Sunday 16th January. The Listener urges all Lisahally fans to make the effort to attend and cheer the team on to victory. Good things come to those who wait.

Match Report: Lisahally 2-2 Drumoghill

Having played no competitive games in over three weeks due to the terrible weather conditions, Lisahally management wished to use this friendly game as an exercise of shaking off the post-Christmas match-rust. However, despite some extra helpings of turkey and ham over the festive period, the Lisahally players performed reasonably well against the Co. Donegal side, showing the discipline and skill that has already seen them gain promotion to the Premier Division.

Both teams were evenly matched at the beginning of the game, with each side creating numerous chances. Lisahally went close from several set-pieces, and were particularly dangerous on the left side of the pitch with Cathal O'Kane and Aidy O'Kane linking up tremendously. However, it was Drumoghill who opened the scoring, punishing poor Lisahally defending to snatch the lead. Lisahally continued to make chances and Peter Doherty and Noel O'Donnell unleashed a number of shots but to no avail.

Lisahally made three changes in the second half. Conor Mullan replaced Peter Doherty on the right side of midfield, Christopher Nicholl replaced Mark Duffy at right back and Shaun Whoriskey made his return to the heart of the Lisahally defence when he replaced Sean Hargan. It didn't take Lisahally long to equalise, as Emmett Kirk volleyed a dire kickout from the Drumoghill goalkeeper off the post and into the net. Such was the unwavering belief in his ability, that the young man did not even watch the ball go into the net, and instead focused on his celebration.

Lisahally continued to dominate proceedings with Noel O'Donnell orchestrating moves from midfield, but when Spike spilled an innocuous high ball, he allowed a Drumoghill striker an easy finish from close range to make it 2-1, much to the despair of the Lisahally management. Lisahally flooded men forward, using both flanks, but simply could not find a goal. Conor Mullan showed determination to attack and made several direct runs down the right side, but struggled to get crosses in. Management made a bold move when they put towering defender John Robertson up front in place of Barry Murray. Topher Whoriskey offered the big man a pint as an incentive for a goal, but none was forthcoming. Robertson did, however, come agonizingly close with a header in the last five minutes, but it was a miss that has unfortunately made its way on to the "Miss of the Season" shortlist. Lisahally's efforts were eventually rewarded in the final minutes when Shaun Whoriskey deflected in a Mark Duffy shot, making the final score 2-2.

Speaking after the game, Rory Kirk and Danny Brown were happy enough with the performance, claiming that 2-2 was a fair result for both teams, but stressed the importance of remaining disciplined and regaining fitness as the league resumes. Indeed, there will be a team run on Tuesday January 4th and Danny Brown quipped that he would be following close behind with a whip for the slackers.