The Prodigal Son Returns

The Lisahally Listener has learned that former Lisahally player Kieran McGlinchey has re-signed for his former club in a shock move from Downeys.

McGlinchey's football (that's soccer to him) career is the perfect parable, as he made the transition from Judas to the Prodigal Son.

The talented defender was shrouded in acrimony when left his local club at the start of the 2010-2011 season. His decision inevitably led to cries of "Judas!" from his teammates and the loyal Lisahally fan base who were incensed at his mercenary ways.

However, Lisahally enjoyed a season of unprecedented success without him and McGlinchey was notable by his absence at the end of season award ceremony.

The defender came under strong criticism from Lisahally fans, but he returned in kind and was known to be critical of Lisahally when they achieved promotion, scoffing that they would be the "whipping boys" of the league.

There was nevertheless ongoing discussion about a return to the Strathfoyle club and Aidy O'Kane remarked that rumours were rife that a deal was close to completion, with Lisahally reportedly offering to double the pre-match diet of Mega Meanies he was on at Downeys.

And it seems there was indeed truth to the rumours as Lisahally officially confirmed the transfer was complete on November 13th.

Although his talent is undoubted, McGlinchey will face stiff competition for a starting berth in the rejuvenated Lisahally backline, but his addition to the squad is certainly a welcome one.

Feature: All Time Lisahally XI - Noel O'Donnell

Former Lisahally captain Noel O'Donnell was formerly on the books at Peterborough and throughout his career, "Stroker" demonstrated his abundance of skill and class on the football pitch. Now Lisahally manager, he has given the Listener his All Time XI, but like the rest, admitted he could have named 5 teams.

Noel O'Donnell's All Time Lisahally XI

Spike Doherty

Sean Hargan David Ogilby Libby Mullan Chris Tracey

Decky Brown Jai White Topher Whoriskey Colin Moran

Spencer Tracey Diesel Brown

Subs
Mark Tracey
Shaun Whoriskey
Chris Gilloway
Rory Kirk

"Spike in nets because of big game saves and he is a tremendous shot stopper.
Sean Hargan: Quick, strong and had springs in his boots. Loves a physical game. Could play anywhere on the pitch but I think he was at his best at the back for Park and Lisahally.
David Ogilby: Different class, great defender although most of his games for Lisahally were at forward. Hopefully we haven't seen the last of him in a Lisah' shirt....but not for a few years yet.
Libby Mullan: Super player, strong as a bull and knew were the net was. Moved to defence at Lisahally and stood out by a mile.
Chris Tracey: Was the Alan Hansen of Lisahally, played football when others about him may have hoofed the ball. Played football how it should be played.

Jai White: Quality player great attitude ability and could easily move up a level. Type of player every team would want.
Topher Whoriskey: Great touch, read the game but was also a tough tackling all round midfielder. Kept it simple and played the game on the deck. How he never played a number of games at senior level is beyond me.
Colin Moran: Lightning with quality, it's a pity he stopped playing so young because he was a tremendous talent. Lisah' haven't had a winger like him since.
Decky Brown: Quality player, classy and another who could have played at senior level.

Spencer Tracey: Natural goal scorer. First man I saw score a goal with a back heel out of no where....still think his son Lenny was better than him though!
Diesel Brown: Speed, and knew where the net was. In his prime there was no forward better in the D&D.

Subs
Mark Tracey: Just edged out for a starting berth, not much got passed Mark
Shaun Whoriskey: Another who just misses out, but is still playing. Lisahally through and through and doesn't lose much in the air. Must hold the record for Lisahally's most appearances.
Chris Gilloway: Physical player which every team needs, plus in my first Married Men v Single Men match at the age of 13 he emptied me and actually put me over the banking at the Strathfoyle Arena. Lesson Learned!
Rory Kirk: Like a wine he improved with age, die hard Lisahally player/manager/supporter and will be involved once again in the near future in some capacity."

Feature: All Time Lisahally XI - David Ogilby

The Listener was lucky enough to catch up with current Coleraine captain, David Ogilby. The former Institute captain played with Lisahally during his youth where his ability was evident in abundance.

David Ogilby's All Time Lisahally XI

Paddy Maguire

Daniel Brown Jai White Alan Duffy Brian Devine

Petie Doherty Topher Whoriskey Noel O'Donnell Harry Doherty

Diesel Brown Libby Mullan

Ogilby said a few words about his choices:

"Goalkeeper : Paddy Maguire - great shot stopper and very vocal keeping the centre halves on their toes

Right Back: Daniel Brown - Steady full back in his day

Centre Half: Jai White - good on the ball and totally committed to the cause

Centre Half : Alan Duffy - No nonsense defender, takes no prisioners

Left Back: Brian Devine - Great left foot and deadly from set pieces

Right wing : Petie Doherty - Skillfull player and scores the odd goal

Centre Midfield : Topher Whoriskey - one of Lisah's all time greats. Mr Lisahally

Centre Midfield : Noel O'Donnell - Loads of ability and a proven match winner

Left Wing: Harry Doherty - skillful winger with a yard of pace

Centre Forward: Libby Mullan- Big Target Man who knew where the onion bag was

Centre Forward : Diesel Brown - Lightning quick and a deadly finisher"

Feature: All Time Lisahally XI - Paddy Maguire

The custodian who guarded the Lisahally net before Spike, Paddy Maguire gave the Listener his All Time XI

Paddy Maguire's All Time Lisahally XI

Paddy Maguire

Chris Gilloway Dermy Boyle Chris Tracey Bubba Montgomery

Noel O'Donnell Topher Whoriskey Aidy O'Kane

Charlie O'Kane Trevor Tracey Libby Mullan

Subs

Diesel Brown

Charlie Lafferty

Brian Coyle

Noel Coyle

Hector Duffy

Paddy said:
"It takes few words to describe this team: each and every one of them played for the jersey.
Two fulbacks, relentless Dermy Boyle - arguably the best footballer to come out of Strathfoyle -, Chris Tracey, cool and calculated. Topher, our midfield dynamo, Charlie O' Kane and Trevor Tracey scored goals for fun. Spencer scored nine in one game which might still be a record in the D&D. Libby could play anywhere and is still outstanding in the over 40s.
The bench are a group of all round players who never let you down."

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%."