Don Boscos -v- Lisahally Preview 6/11/11

Lisahally entertain their old foes Don Boscos on Sunday 6th November. Kick off is 11:30 am at the Swilly Stadium, Templemore Complex.

Lisahally have recently started getting their act together after the appointment of ex-captain Noel O'Donnell to the management team and he has drafted in approximately five players to help the Lisahally cause.

Don Boscos, managed by Liam Bonner have assembled a useful squad this season and this Sunday's game will be a good pointer on how much Lisahally has improved over the past few weeks, as Boscos will be very hard to beat.

John Robertson is still doubtful due to a jarred knee and faces a late fitness test while Cathal O'Kane has recovered from a stomach bug. Noel Coyle who was suffering from sore ribs returns to a full strength squad.

The problem this week for Noel O Donnell will be how to fit all the players in, so there are sure to be a few disappointed players come Sunday. This however, in my opinion, is a good thing and will ensure that players have to fight for their place, as the bench will be strong.

Big Joe Robertson continues in nets after his sucessful return in the last game out, but will neeed to be at his best come Sunday as Boscos possess a potent strikeforce.

This should be a good open game and hopefully the "wee doggs" come out barking and keep the pride in their local club.

By Rory Kirk

Feature: All Time Lisahally XI - Paddy Kelly

Not many Lisahally players can say they played in the League of Ireland, but Paddy "Horse" Kelly can. Kelly was a part of a Finn Harps team that included José Mukendi, Declan McIntyre and Con McLaughlin, who was the first Donegal man to score 100 goals in the League of Ireland. Kelly's career at Lisahally saw him start games at centre back, only to be subbed at half time so that he could go over the border and play for Drumoghill!

Paddy Kelly's All Time Lisahally XI

Glen Watson

Chris Tracey David Ogilby Paddy Kelly Decky Brown

Sean Hargan N.O'Donnell Topher Whoriskey Dick Tracey

Diesel Brown Libby Mullan

Subs
Jai White
Aidy O'Kane
Alan Duffy
Hector Duffy

Paddy said a few words on his choices:

"Didn't play that often but Watty was a quality keeper, could have been at a higher standard. Chris Tracey, Mr Consistent, knew how to play football with no complaints. Ogilby in the centre, the quiet man-mountain and one of the best defenders to come out of Derry. Myself, a blow-in, but outstanding all the same. Decky Brown at left back, strong footballer, could have been a pro. Right midfield, Sean Hargan, solid footballer, great talker. Left midfield, Dick Tracey, mostly a full back but top class, a ref's nightmare. In the middle, Stroker, who was different class, with Topher Whoriskey, the cream of the crop and simply the best footballer to come out of Strathfoyle. Up front, Diesel Brown, outstanding goalscorer, alongside Libby Mullan - with Topher - the creme de la creme, a true gentleman.

Of the subs, Jai - a good man, fully committed to the cause. Young Aidy, has bags of potential, great natural left foot. Snay, "The Man", the water carrier, great for team morale, and Hector - there's a man who'd go through a brick wall for you."

Feature: All Time Lisahally XI - Sean Hargan

Continuing with the nostalgia, the Listener asked Sean Hargan for his All-Time Lisahally squad. Hargan has been a loyal Lisahally man for many years and when he returned to the Lisahally team under the stewardship of Rory Kirk and Danny Brown, his experience proved to be a vital asset to the double winning side. "It was hard to pick a team because Lisah' had so many great players over the years.", said Hargan

Sean Hargan's All Time Lisahally XI

Niall Walker

Jai White S. Whoriskey Libby Mullan Dick Tracey

N. O'Donnell S. Hargan Topher Whoriskey (c) Charlie O'Kane

Diesel Brown Rory Kirk.

Subs
Danny Brown
Brian Coyle
Hector Duffy
Noel Coyle

A few words from Sean Hargan:

"Niall Walker was a great keeper for Lisah'. Good shot stopper and had great positioning. Jai White, a 120% man who never knew the word 'beaten'. Shaun "The Quiet Man" Whoriskey, solid in the tackle, great in the air and always popped up with the odd goal. Libby Mullan a Lisah' legend, centre forward turned centre half. "Marvellous" Mark Tracey gets the nod at left back. Solid full back who took no prisoners. Noel "Stroker" O'Donnell, a true genius whose skill and speed of thought will never be seen again at Lisah', an amazing talent! Sean Hargan, an attacking midfielder who was good in the air and loved the tackle. Topher "The legend" Whorkiskey, a natural leader whom everyone looked up to - one of the best I've had the privilege to play with at Lisahally. Charlie O'Kane, a cheeky, cocky, chappy who scored bagfuls of goals. Diesel Brown, the most naturally gifted goalscorer I've played with, who could create chances from nowhere. Rory Kirk gets the nod beside Diesel - a hustling, bustling centre forward with a never say die attitude. Loved the "Old School" tackle.

Subs: Danny Brown, Mr Versatile, who could play midfield or full back. Brian Coyle, lightning fast midfielder with the knack of scoring. Hector "Watch Your Shins" Duffy, an animal on the field and a gentleman off it. Noel Coyle, A Lisha' man through and through who never gave less than 100%."

Feature: All Time Lisahally XI - Rory Kirk

In a new feature in the Lisahally Listener, as an indulgence in nostalgia and fun, we have asked several past players to choose their All-Time Lisahally XI. The first past player to offer his All Time squad is the man who, along with Danny Brown, helped bring the double to Strathfoyle and promotion to the top division: Rory Kirk.

In choosing his squad, Kirk arrived at the decision to focus only on the "Old Dogs", as he considers that the "Wee Dogs" have plenty of time to cement their reputations, but conceded that it was a difficult task, stating that he could have picked three teams.

Rory Kirk's All-Time Lisahally XI

Spike Doherty

Jai White Shan Whorisky Rory Kirk Hector Duffy

N. O'Donnell Topher Whorisky S. Hargan Colin Moran

Diesel Brown Libby Mullan (c)

Substitutes
Mark Tracey
Noel Coyle
Danny Brown
Doyley

A few words from Rory Kirk:
"Spike in nets because in past few seasons he has won us big games, which he doesn't get credit for and is a excellent kicker. Jai white in at right back as he is a bonus to have in any team and a gentleman off the field. Hector Duffy at left back due to his tackling and pure balls to fight for the team. Shaun Whoriskey at centre back, he never says much but gives 100% every game and is a great tackler and header of the ball. Me beside him because I believe it was one of the most deadly centre back partnerships in the history of Lisahally.

Colin Moran on left wing due to his speed and quality crossing, a wasted talent. Noel O'Donnell on right wing due to his pure class on a football pitch. Topher Whorisky in centre midfield, hard as nails, no nonsense footballer who did the simple thing. Sean Hargan beside Topher, great talker, tackler and goal scorer - great to be a wee dogg with him and Topher in midfield. Up front, Diesel Brown, a natural goalscorer who rarely missed, never was replaced. Up front with Diesel was Libby Mullan who, in his prime, was about 10 stone and scored for fun but could play anywhere on the pitch. These men are Lisahally legends.

Subs-Noel Coyle, "Mr Consistent" has given everything for Lisah' and is an undervalued player. Danny Brown, the wee bull was a great reader of the game and a great passer. Brian Coyle, lightning quick and could beat men easily with a good end result. Marvellous Mark Tracey could also play anywhere and was one of the hardest but fairest players I played against and with. All the above players gave 100% for Lissa and thats all we ever asked."

*Have your say and leave a comment*

The Listener Speaks to Aidy O'Kane

The Lisahally Listener caught up with strong left back Aidy O'Kane today. We asked him about life at Lisahally and how difficult it was to play the foreign sport after many years.

Lisahally Listener - Hi Aidy, how's it going?
Aidy O'Kane - All is good, just recovering from a weekend of footie and the auld legs are like lead. Only 22 and I'm getting to old for this craic .

(LL) -You were a talented footballer in your youth, notably helping to guide the Strathfoyle Youth Club to glory in an all-Ireland competition based in Galway, but your first passion was, it seemed, always Gaelic and as such your Lisahally debut came relatively late. Did you find it hard to re-adjust to soccer at all?
AO'K - Naw not at all. Saying that in my first couple of games when a few high balls came into left back, I was in the air with two hands up then thinking to myself 'what the feck are you doing Aidy, you're playing the foreign sport now'! Other than that it was grand getting back into the swing of things. The first training session I was taking the complete hand out of Mark Duffy for the full hour and a half.

(LL) - You were an integral part of the Lisahally machine that won the double last season along with promotion, how did you enjoy your experience?
AO'K - First season and success like that was great. Not everyday them sort of feelings come around.

(LL) - Were you disappointed not to win player of the year?
AO'K - Not at all, I had a good start to the season then after getting a couple of knocks in games I never really got back to full fitness. As well as that big JR totally deserved it, then there is the likes of Jai, Stroker, Petie and Emmett who all had great seasons also .

(LL) - Lisah' have been experiencing a terrible time in the top division, but recent developments have seen a turnaround of fortunes - what do you think was the cause of the poor start and do you think Lisah' has what it takes to avoid relegation?
AO'K - Not a matter of thinking, I know Lisah' will stay in the Premier this year. The likes of Gavin, Mickey, and Jonny back playing along with veterans such as Davey K and big John Marshall. I think the reason for the horrible start was because of not having a full available squad due to gaelic and also the lack of numbers at pre-season training. I personally think a good pre-season is vital to a good start to a new campaign . Also the keeper situation didn't help matters but with Big Joe back in after a quality performance that's that sorted.

(LL) - Who would you say is the biggest joker at the club?
AO'K - He is a plonker, but Duffy always gets a reaction when he walks into the changing room. If he's not talking about women he's talking about some other waffle and everybody gets a good laugh at him.

(LL) - The best fasion sense?
AO'K - The best fashion sense would have to go to Emmett Kirk. Showed up yesterday (Sunday 30th Oct.) for the Abercorn game in freezing temperatures wearing a pair of 3/4 lengths and a T-shirt that was too big for him chewing 'gum' as Emmett would call it. After coming back from the States he gets serious grief off Jai but in honestly Jai is right , Emmett must think he is a Yank after that dress code yesterday!

(LL) - Outside of soccer you are known to be friends with former Lisahally player, Kieran McGlinchey, do you think he'll ever make the return to his local club?
AO'K - I heard from a reliable source in Du Pont on Sunday that the prodigal son's return is imminent after another disappointment playing for Top of the Hill on Sunday and only getting 10mins game time as a sub...we shall see!

(LL) - How have you coped with the self-proclaimed superstardom of one Mark Duffy?
AO'K - Aw, at this stage all the crap that comes out of that man's mouth goes in one of my ears and out the other. Self praise is no praise .

(LL) - Good luck for the rest of the season Aidy. Any final thoughts?
AO'K - Thanks Listener, keep believing Lisah'! Woof woof!

Call for Writers

The Lisahally Listener is issuing a call for budding sports writers who can contribute to the site by providing short match reports and articles on all things Lisahally.

Given that I am based in Galway for most of the year, I cannot be in regular attendance at games and would be very grateful for any assistance.

It is completely voluntary, but believe it or not, this is an ideal opportunity for young aspiring journalists seeking to gain experience in the field. It is also a rewarding activity, especially suited to fans of Lisahally football club, or those with an interest in the social hub of Strathfoyle.

So if you believe you can provide match reports, articles or blog posts, please don't hesitate to get in touch, by leaving a comment here, on the facebook page or by emailing lisahallylistener@gmail.com

Cheers,

Ryan Kelly
Editor

Lisahally Battered by Bosco's

Lisahally 2-8 Don Bosco's (28/08/11)

Not even the X-Factor of Eoghan Quigg could prevent Lisahally from succumbing to a heavy home defeat to Don Bosco's this Sunday. It was a bad day at the office for all concerned as the home side were powerless to resist a team that is considered to be fairly mediocre by the Premier Division's standards.

It was an unfamiliar line up for Lisahally, who were without stalwarts John Robertson and Aidy O'Kane during the first half. Surfer dude Ben Holly and Eoghan Quigg were new faces in the starting line up, which also included Strathfoyle man Kevin Whoriskey at right back and a return for Mickey Cooke, who started up front.

After the game, manager Danny Brown was visibly disappointed and bemoaned the lack of heart shown by his players. The loyal Lisahally supporters who witnessed the spectacle were also left severely disappointed and many have questioned whether the team is taking any pride in playing for their local team.

One thing is certain, a major improvement in attitudes and performances is needed immediately if Lisahally are to compete at this level. One shudders at the thought of playing Top of the Hill Celtic and the like.