Judas turned Prodigal Son: Kieran McGlinchey's Story

McGlinchey with TOTH

Kieran McGlinchey endured a torrent of abuse from Lisahally fans when he made the decision to sign for Downeys at the beginning of the 2010/2011 season. Labelled "Judas" and shunned by the Strathfoyle community, McGlinchey missed out on what proved to be the most successful season in the Strathfoyle club's history. There had been rumours circulating throughout Strathfoyle that McGlinchey was considering signing for his local club and last week, manager Noel O'Donnell confirmed the transfer.

Speaking to the Listener, McGlinchey exhuded the enthusiasm of a footballer who simply wants to play:

"Downeys were going down hill and I was asked to join Top of the Hill Celtic, so at the time this seemed like a good decision as they are probably the best team in the league.

"However this was a move I shouldnt have made. I was told I would get games and think, all in all, I ended up getting about 20 minutes. "

The young defender also emphasised how important local camaraderie was when mulling over his options, as well as the extent to which Noel O'Donnell influenced his decision:

"Playing for Eglinton and being with all my mates, I've learned that football (that's soccer to you) isn't all about winning but also about having a bit of craic too.

"Noel was also a big part in me coming back because I always said if he was to have anything to do with it I'd play because he was one of the people who got me started playing when I was 16."

Clearly, however, the real issue for Lisahally fans was the acrimonious nature of McGlinchey's departure from his local club. At the time, the Listener suggested that it gave an insight into the mindframe of the modern footballer and even Eamon Dunphy was rumoured to have branded the behaviour as being akin to that of Cristiano Ronaldo; petulant, impatient, amateur. But McGlinchey appeared glad to finally bury the hatchet with the fans:

"This is the question I've been waiting for." he stated, "There has been that many different stories as to why I left. 

"Downeys had asked me to sign before the start of the season, so it was always in my head. There was a misunderstanding between myself and the management where they thought I was injured when I wasn't.

"I wanted to play on a Sunday and thought I had been dropped for no reason, as I thought I played well the week before. With a bit of anger up, I said I wouldnt play for Lisah' again and went and signed for Downeys.", said McGlinchey

"People can be disappointed but I wanted to play on a Sunday and wasn't willing to stand on the bench. I'm back now and I'm here to prove a point to the fans"

Reflecting on his time at Downey's McGlinchey was full of praise for his former manager, saying he "gets on with him":

"People can say want they want about Downeys but don't forget in my first season with them we finished fourth and got beat in the cup final which we probably should have won.

"However, this season they were struggling to field a team and I thought a move was the right thing. The same way Top of the Hill didn't stop me moving back to Lisah'. They simply said sorry you didnt get more of a chance and good luck."

An avid gaelic footballer, McGlinchey plays for Slaughtmanus and he believes that GAA background gives a player a number of advantages on the football pitch.

McGlinchey in action for Slaughtmanus

"I think fitness is a big thing it brings, as a lot of the training is aimed at getting fit and you can see it in Gavin [McShane] and Aidy [O'Kane] when they play. They dont stop running.

"Being harder in a tackle too as you are used to getting hit every week and know what it takes to win the ball back.

"We should have got Mickey Cooke up to play at a young age because he's a big fairy when it comes to tackling - he doesn't want to wreck his hair half the time."

And while he is confident in his own ability and experience in the top division, the lynch-pin centre half knows that he faces a tough task breaking into a strong Lisahally team.

"There is big competition now. I dont expect just to walk back into the team but I'll wait for my chance and when I get it I wont be moved.

"I've played against all these teams last year and know how most of their strikers play, which gives me a bit of an advantage on the rest of the defence."

While Lisahally have struggled this year, McGlinchey has kept an eye on their progress and believes they have what it takes to turn their season around. He said:

"I think Lisahally's real challenge is to stay up and with the players they brought in like Gavin McShane, Jonny Hume and Mickey Cooke, along with the old boys like Jai, who always gives his all, there's no reason why we cant stay up.

"This Sunday is a 6 pointer and we really need to win it."

The "Judas" turned "Prodigal Son" has finally come back to his local team and he is keen to get started to help improve the fortunes of the club. He also has other aims:

"I'm just looking forward to gettin the kit on and digging in with the rest of the team to get Lisahally to finish as high up the table as they can

"And of course, I can't wait to slag [Mark] Duffy and Aidy [O'Kane] because they think they're superstars these days" he laughed.

One thing is sure, with McGlinchey added to the ranks of Lisahally, the days of conceding eight goals are over.

Make sure to get down to the pitch on Sunday morning to cheer the boys on to victory against Celtic Swifts.

Lisahally -v- Celtic Swifts Preview 20/11/11

Lisahally get back to league action this Sunday with a home clash against the fallen giants of local football, Celtic Swifts, reports Rory Kirk.

After their unconvincing win over neighbours Maydown last week, this weekend's game will be a six pointer for the wee doggs against a team that is also at the wrong end of the league table. The league is now half way through its schedule and Lisahally will need to start collecting points to survive a relegation scrap come April.

This game however is a great chance to collect three points and on the reverse fixture Lisah' should have won easily against what resembled a Swifts over-40 team. According to my spies the only absentees from squad will be Emmett Kirk and Jonny Hume, therefore Stroker will have a strong squad to choose from with Decky Brown returning from holiday and Petie Doherty from ankle injury.

After the performances of the last two weeks, certain players will not be guaranteed starting places and if they do survive the axe their games will need to be raised and competition for places is very high at present.

On Sunday Lisahally need to ensure that over confidence and complacency has not crept into squad and that all last years work does not go to waste. Sunday should also see the return of the prodigal son Kieran Mc Glinchey. This is another great addition to squad and let's hope he is here to stay for many seasons to come.

With Stroker gradually building a squad of Strathfoyle youth the visions we had are now coming into reality and surely we have a potential team of winners for years to come. This will start in my eyes with three points on Sunday down in Strathfoyle Arena and hopefully kick start the wee doggs back barking.

Rory Kirk

Feature: All Time Lisahally XI - Jai White

Newly instated Lisahally captain Jai White gave his all time XI to the Listener. Jai has already featured in many of the Best XIs to date. Here is his team

Jai White's All Time Lisahally XI

Spike Doherty

Daniel Brown Sean Hargan David Ogilby Decky Brown

Noel O'Donnell Topher Whoriskey Rory Kirk Harry Doherty

Diesel Brown Libby Mullan

Subs
Shaun Whoriskey
Noel Coyle
Mark Doherty

1. Spike, a great shot stopper and gives his all for Lisahally.

2. Danny Brown, always played for the jersey.

3. Decky Brown, on his day one of the best left backs in Derry.

4. Sean Hargan, I leraned so much off this man, you get what you see off Evergreen Hargan.

5. David Ogilby, this man has gone on to play in the Irish League and is the current captain of Coleraine, but he never forgets about his local team, a total gentleman.

6.Noel “Stroker” O'Donnell, the best footballer I have ever played with.

7. Harry Doherty, gave his all for Lisahally.

8. Topher Whoriskey, Mr Lisahally, a total legend at the club.

9. Rory “Jose” Kirk, gave his all for his beloved Lisahally.

10. Libby Mullan, a big target man who knew where the net was.

11. Diesel Brown, a prolific goalscorer throughout his career.

Subs

12. Shaun Whoriskey like his father gives his all for the team.

13. Noel Coyle, never lets Lisahally down.

14. Mark Doherty, same as Coyle-o, never let the team down.

The Highs and Lows of Mickey Cooke

Filled with promise from an early age, Michael Cooke was part of a formidable Don Bosco's side in his youth which included a number of local football luminaries including former Republic of Ireland Under 19 international and current Derry City man Ruairí Harkin. A passionate footballer with an eye for goal, Cooke has returned to play for his local team under Noel O'Donnell after a stop-start love-affair with the Strathfoyle men.

The tall playmaker admitted that his experience with Lisahally has been filled with highs and lows, but has expressed his joy at the fact that he is now playing again.

"It's true Lisah' and myself haven't always been on the best terms, down to slanderous remarks made in the media and all round bad vibes coming out of the club", he said.

"But all that seems to be resolved and I'm glad to be back playing for my local team with my mates again. The craic's good!"

And that positivity is also reflected in Cooke's opinion on the club's chances of avoiding relegation after a "brutal start to the season".

"I'm sure everyone would agree that if there's anyone in Strathfoyle that knows their football, it's stroker [Noel O'Donnell] and since he's come in, bringing a few fresh faces in Jonny Hume and Gavin McShane (and a few blasts from the past) me, everyone in the changing rooms seems to be on the same side, and enjoying themselves which can only be good for our chances of survival."

Cooke (centre) playing for Lisahally

Cooke also shared his thoughts on the return of the "Judas"-turned-"Prodigal Son", Kieran McGlinchey. Laughing sarcastically at the question, Cooke quipped: "I don't know what all the fuss is about. He's more at home on a building site than a football pitch anyway, the Polish looking c**t.", before quickly reassuring this reporter that he was, in fact, joking.

"He's a great addition to be bringing in to the squad," Cooke admitted, but conceded that the former lynch pin will have a battle on his hands for a place, "Stiff competition these days".

However, staying positive, Cooke was frank in his appraisal of McGlinchey, laughing: "Im sure if "wee Arshavin" gets his spot back he'll take some moving, the fat c**t!"

With the squad growing and gelling smoothly, the midfielder suggested that Lisahally have no need to strengthen, considering the "good mix of youth and experience in the ranks, which bodes well for the future".

However, he welcomed any addition that would improve the squad.

"If there's a chance to bring in a few players to benefit the squad, then of course the more the merrier, especially if we can bring in someone who can show Aidy how to tie his laces"

"We'd be flying then.", he joked.

Having settled well back into the squad, Cooke expressed his concern at being left alone in the showers with Big Joe:

"That's not good for any man's confidence, he's a tripod!"

Reassuming a serious front, Cooke reflected on his long career with Lisahally, which started at the youthful age of 16. When asked what his career highlight, he mulled over a few candidates.

"Picking up the trophy for Best Young Player in my debut season at the tender age of 16 was good steam, as was the cup triumph a few years ago and the night out after it,"

"But my highlight so far must be Duffys sister... it has to be!", he laughed.

After scoring at the weekend, the versatile forward laid down his personal aims for the rest of the season, which included scoring more goals to help maintain a good cup run and of course to make sure Lisahally stay in the Premier Division, "That would be ideal.", he said.

And Cooke strongly believes that there are "big things in store in future" if Lisahally can "Keep 'er lit".

"Shake 'n' Bake!", says he.

Rory's View: Lisahally 4-0 Maydown

Well hello sports fans and welcome back. As I cut the legs off the bed I have been lying low this last few weeks but a report is overdue, so here is my analysis on today's game against our aloof neighbours Maydown.

First question: how many of their players actually come from Maydown? On a balmy November morning with the mercury hitting 16c I was down the pitch first thing and surely it is the most scenic pitch this side of richmond at this time of year. Credit must go to the residents of Beechwood for owning such a wonderful arena and also credit to Eglinton man Barry Murray who is first down every game, a lesson for all players.

With the players arriving in dribs and drabs the pre match tension was building and the loyal fans were looking for an improved Lisah' after last week's drunken antics. With the club photographer also in attendance there was a wild bit of posing being done, but Alan Duffy mysteriously went missing. The changing room before match was good craic and great to see it as that's the way it should be, just like old times. Somebody however defaced the wall with pro-Lisahally graffiti and this man will be caught and banned from Lisah' for life, the clampet. Also it was the first time in all my years around changing rooms that a man put on muddy socks from last week, the stoke. With the pre match talk delivered by Stroker, just like I taught him, and the warm up completed it was time to rumble.

We had a good team out with only Decky and wee Fernando missing due to injury and unexplained injuries. When the full team is back, competition for places will be tight so everyone will need to be on their "A" game every week.

First half was underway and a bit of early probing by both teams caused neither team much worry until a defensive slip up from Maydown let the cookie Kirk in to put Lisah' in front with a nice finish - the early nite spent horizontal jogging with fi fi paid dividends. To be fair Maydown didn't lie down and had chances but big Joe Gomez was in control and they came to nothing. With the game not up to much I went up to charge my batteries and missed what I heard was a cracker 30 yarder form Gavin Mc Shan', as Aidy calls him. Great goal from a great player - my type of midfielder who isnt afraid to mix it and has been a great addition since Stroker's appointment. He was my man of the match today, well done Gavin and keep it up.

The wee doggs went further ahead after a great finish from Micky Cookie monster, another good addition to squad and seems to have matured a bit as a footballer. You would think at 3 nil Lisah' were strolling this game but this was not the case and Maydown gave as good as they got and deserved more. With the half time break looming the management team had to raise the troops as it was a very flat and dull first half. With the half time team talk under way the highlight of half time was the lovely oranges expertly cut by number one Wag Claire. What would the boys do without them. We will have do get her more than flowers this season, 3 pounds anyone.

Second half under way once again Lisah' could not get into gear and it was time to freshen a few things up, the postman marshall came on and gave a different dimension and put in a good shift. The invisible man O'Kane came on from his return from injury and local legend big D.K. entered the fray and all did well for team. Also congrats to Mark Duffy who left at half time to start his new job with Stringfellows. As I say not much really happened second half and it was a lack-lustre performance from Lisah' with a lot of huffing and puffing with too much long range shots and some players holding the ball too much instead of doing the simple thing. Maydown missed a penalty and the scoreline could have been closer. Maybe we came down to their level but Lisahally are much better than today.

The highlight of second half was a great midfield run from Mc Shan' who was brought down for a penalty which he coolly dispatched into top corner to make it four nil and send the game out of sight. The game faded away to final whistle and Lisah' went through to the quarter finals with improvement needed to go further in this cup. However a win is a win and Stroker knows what is needed and with Celtic Swifts next week in Strathfoyle we have a great chance of three points and without doubt rise up the table for a top four finish in my eyes.

Match over and all happy there was a nice buzz around Lisah' this morning which I liked and the players all seemed in good form and together as one. Jai headed to Dublin in his formula one car and I am sure he is in good form tonight Karen. 3 pound Danny and his wag will be in good form down the Pont tonight and the wee doggs will be hitting the Sugar dancefloor for some jiveing and all the other weirdos will be cooped up playing Call of Duty. Let's hope Gomez gets a good nights sleep as he goes into the real world tomorrow with his new job drinking beer, good luck Joe. With 5 weeks to go to the much anticipated Married men Single men match, where else would you get a team like Lisahally wee doggs and our loyal supporters near and far.

Until the next time Woof Woof !!!

By Rory Kirk

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."