The Ryan McBride Foundation has been awarded £10,000 of National Lottery funding to help young people in Derry to reach their potential and improve their health and well-being.

The foundation received the £10,000 grant through Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All programme. They are using the funding to run a year-long football programme with workshops to improve mental health and wellbeing in schools across the city. Derry City Football Club players have volunteered to help coach the young people.

The Foundation was set up in remembrance of former Derry City football captain, Ryan McBride who passed away suddenly in March 2017.

Ryan’s sister and board member of the foundation, Caitlin McBride said: “Ryan was passionate about working with young people, and going into local schools was a big part of his life, so for us to be able to carry on his work through the foundation is amazing. This project is something he would’ve been part of if he was here so I’m proud that we are improving young peoples’ lives in his name.

“Sport brings a lot of joy to young people, it’s a chance for them to interact with other children, make new friends and improve their wellbeing. But it can be expensive, so for us to reach young people and provide our programme for free means parents don’t need to worry about paying for it.

“We’re so grateful to receive this funding from Big Lottery Fund, it’s a massive boost for us.”

Watch here to hear Caitlin McBride, the late Ryan's sister, thank the National Lottery customers for making the donation possible:

The foundation has a lot of support from the local community and in the last few weeks it was announced that councillors on Derry City and Strabane District Council have voted to rename Brandywell Stadium after Ryan McBride.

Next door to the stadium local football supporter Gary Harkin, owner of Harkins Todays newsagents and National Lottery retailer welcomed the news of a project on his doorstep receiving funding. Gary said: “We sell hundreds of National Lottery tickets every week and it’s great to see that the money is having a positive impact in our local community.”

Last year The Ryan McBride Foundation ran a small pilot scheme for the football programme in the Model Primary school before applying for Big Lottery funding. Its success showed the positive impact a longer scheme could have on young people in the area.

Cianáin Campbell, 10, from Derry, is one of the young people who took part in the pilot last year. Cianáin needs a walking aid or wheelchair to move about which has affected his confidence to take part in sport, but being included in the scheme has given him the boost he needed to get active and join a local wheelchair basketball club.

“Cianáin has always been such a happy child, he doesn’t let anything bother him. He always says ‘I don’t need to walk, I’m fine the way I am’. He didn’t really get involved in sport because he didn’t think he could do it,” said Cianáin’s mum Paula who looks after him full time.

“I was surprised the day Cianáin came home and said ‘I can do football Mummy’. I didn’t understand how he could so I went along to the next class to watch him and I was amazed. I was so proud seeing him taking part just like everyone else.

“Having the players there, who took the time to show him how he could use his walking trolley to play, really helped him. The kids really look up to the players and you could see the genuine interest the players gave to them. He goes to the matches on a Friday now and they always wave to him and will bring him down onto the pitch sometimes. It’s a real boost for him.

“Cianáin’s confidence has grown in school and at home. He’s always been happy but he’s more enthusiastic now. He wanted to join a football club, but it can be a rough game which worried me. Then we discovered wheelchair basketball which he’s been going to and is thriving. He’s really finding himself.”

The funding to The Ryan McBride Foundation is part of an announcement of almost £1 million of National Lottery funding to 111 groups across Northern Ireland. Other groups in Derry/Londonderry receiving funding are: Ally Foyle; Bond Street Community Association; Mandarin Speakers Association Derry; St Paul's Primary School Slievemore; Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership; and the Western Health and Social Care Trust. (Please see attached table for details)

Julie Harrison, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “I am delighted to announce these grants under the Awards for All programme and I want to say thanks to all the National Lottery players who have helped make this possible. Small pots of funding that can have such a big impact on local communities and lives.”

Application forms and guidance notes are available to download at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk. For more details call 028 9055 1455, or e-mail enquiries.ni@biglotteryfund.org.uk

Pictured above: Cianain Campbell with Derry City players, Conor McDermott and Dean Jarvis.

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The Derry actress Roma Downey has paid an emotional tribute to her brother Lawrence after he passed away due to an illness.

She said: "My brother Lawrence made his transition last night with his loved ones surrounding him in the room, we were saying the Lord’s Prayer as he passed.

"He went peacefully. He has no more pain, no more fear, no more suffering.

"He is at peace now reunited with our mother and father, and all our loved ones who have gone before us, and his eyes have seen the glory of God in Heaven in the company of angels."

"We will all miss him but we are grateful that he is at peace now and we take comfort in the promise of Jesus that one day we will all be together again."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

LAGAN Ann Marie

of Denville, formerly a long time resident of Pequannock Township, died peacefully on Saturday, September 22, 2018.
Ann Marie was born in New York City, daughter of Brigid (Quigley) and Frank Lagan from Maghera, Co Derry, Northern Ireland. She is survived by two sisters, Sheila O'Kane (John) and Rosella Harris; six nieces and nephews, Tracey Pallante, Brian Harris, Kelly Burrows, Patricia Fitzpatrick, Stephen O'Kane and Ann Clark; and 13 grand nieces and nephews: Michael and Jessica Pallante, Cassidy and Bradley Harris, Connor, Aidan and Meghan Burrows, Brigid, Julie, Jimmy and Marie Fitzpatrick, Kamila O'Kane and Jamieson Clark.
Ann Marie attended St Luke's Grammar School, St Nicholas of Tolentine High School in the Bronx and graduated from Fordham University. She enjoyed a successful career at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for 35 years until her retirement in 1994.
Ann Marie was an active member of Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church until moving to Denville.
Ann Marie was proud of her Irish heritage. Her first trip to Ireland, with her father in 1965, was the first of 14 trips back home as she would have said. Throughout her life she was an active member and past President of the Co Derry Society of New York.
Visiting hours will be held 4.00pm to 8.00pm Thursday, September 27th at the M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, Pompton Plains.
A Funeral Mass will be held 11.00am Friday, September 28th at Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church, Pompton Plains. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY. www.scanlanfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann Marie's memory to Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church, 155 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 would be greatly appreciated by her family.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

The PSNI will be putting on extra patrols to try and disrupt drug dealing in the city, it has emerged.

It is understood drug deals have been taking place on the “Bywash” in the vicinity of the Creggan Road in recent weeks.

Sinn Féin Rosemount Councillor Mickey Cooper said he asked for the extra patrols to be put in place.

“I was contacted by concerned residents who had seen drug dealing in the vicinity of the Bywash area of Creggan Road over the past number of weekends," he commented.

“Following these concerns being raised with me I contacted the PSNI and asked them to put on extra patrols to disrupt the drug dealing taking place.

"I would urge anyone with information on drug dealing in any part of Derry to contact the Police.

“It’s also very important that anyone caught up in this vicious cycle gets as much help and support as they need. The main priority in any approach to tackling drugs must focus on early intervention and prevention. The communities and families at risk from drugs are easily identifiable and this is where resources must be targeted.

“Combining the ongoing work of the PSNI in removing these drugs with education programmes for our young people is the key to eradicating drug misuse.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Two brothers have been returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on charges of indecent assault on their niece.

The men who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim appeared at a preliminary enquiry at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

The 49-year-old brother was charged with four counts of indecent assault on dates between December 22, 1984 and December 22, 1987.

He was also charged with committing an act of gross indecency with or towards a child on the same dates.

The other brother who is also aged 49 was charged with two counts of indecent assault and one of gross indecency with or towards a child on the same dates.

It was accepted there was a case to answer and neither man said they wished to call any witnesses or make any statement at this stage.

Both men were returned for trial to Derry Crown Court on October 22 and released on bail.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

This Halloween promises to be a musical extravaganza with the return of the Samhain Sessions, featuring some of the finest Irish acts performing in the beautiful surrounds of Derry’s Guildhall.

The sessions, which are delivered by Council in conjunction with Celtronic, take place under Luke Jerram’s stunning Museum of the Moon installation, and last year packed crowds turned out to experience the hauntingly atmospheric performances. Tickets have just gone on sale for the concerts, and are expected to be snapped up fast for these intimate live gigs.

This year’s line-up is just as impressive featuring top artists Lisa Hannigan, David Kitt and Colm Mac Con Iomaire over three nights of fantastic live shows as part of Derry and Strabane’s packed programme of Halloween events.

On Sunday October 28^th award winning Irish folk singer Lisa Hannigan will bring her breath taking vocal style to the Guildhall’s Main Hall, where she will be joined by multi-talented musician and singer Kitt Philippa.

Next up on Monday October 29 is well known Irish artist David Kitt, who returns for a second Samhain Sessions performance following his successful show last year. Kitt’s latest album ‘Yous’ has been heralded as ‘sublime’ and ‘heartfelt’ by the critics and this year’s performance promises to be soulful Kitt at his very best. David Kitt will be joined by modern Irish singing sensation Joshua Burnside, who is known for his ability to channel his traditional Irish influences into a whole new blend of world music, electronica and experimental rock. They will share the bill with musician and producer Malojian for a night of exceptional music.

Finally, on Tuesday October 30^th join violinist and composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire for a traditional celebration of Irish music with a twist. Colm will be followed by one of the most masterfully diverse musicians in the country, Derry multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and songwriter Eoin O’Callaghan. His new project Elma Orkestra will take the audience to a more open-ended, soundscape-based terrain for a programme finale to remember.

Speaking on the launch of the sessions, Festivals and Events manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, said she was delighted to see their return this year. “The Samhain Sessions last year really were something special, and the combined backdrop of the historic Guildhall and the Museum of the Moon were simply magical. This year’s line-up is just fantastic with the very best modern Irish artists coming together for some really special performances.

“The Samhain Sessions were new to the programme last year so it’s great to see the calibre of artists in the extended line up for this year. Last year we had a lot of interest so I would really encourage people to book early to avoid disappointment.”

Gareth Stewart from Celtronic said: "The Guildhall is undoubtedly one of the finest rooms for music on the island of Ireland. We are so excited at the prospect of having the best Irish musical talent perform in such a special space, underneath the amazing artwork that is Museum of The Moon."

The 2018 Halloween programme will run from 26th October – 3^rd November 2018, with over 100 family friendly activities at more than 40 venues, stretching over nine jam-packed days. Among the regular highlights which draw thousands to the city each year, is the Awakening of the Walls, which makes a welcome return for 2018, along with dynamic drumming sensations Spark. There will be ghost tours, story-telling, animation, Halloween markets and so much more happening in the build up to the big night itself on October 31, when the traditional Carnival parade will bring hundreds of performers together to celebrate this year’s Return of the Ancients theme. The night will finish in a spectacular Halloween fireworks finale.

The programme is organised and funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from the Tourism N. Ireland International Fund.  

Tickets for the Samhain Sessions are now on sale, priced as follows:

Sunday 28^th Oct – Lisa Hannigan, Kitt Philippa (£20 + booking fee)

Monday 29^th Oct – David Kitt, Joshua Burnside, Malojian (£13 +booking fee)

Tuesday 30^th Oct – Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Elma Orkestra (£13+booking fee)

To book please check out derryhalloween.com.

Picture: David Kitt.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A Derry man who went into the loyalist Fountain area of the city and began singing Celtic supporters' songs was described in court as 'rash and beyond stupid'.

Jason Doherty (30) of Abercorn Road in Derry was charged with doing a provocative act by singing the songs on September 24.

He also faced a charge of assaulting a 16-year-old who is in a wheelchair and who a police officer said was now 'terrified'.

Doherty was also charged with disorderly behaviour, obstructing police, resisting police and causing criminal damage to a police vehicle and police cell all on the same date.

A police officer connected Doherty to the charges and opposed bail.

She said the 16-year-old alleged victim is now 'afraid to leave his home' after the incident and that Doherty lived 'in close proximity' to where the incident occurred.

She also said that tensions were running high in the Fountain area especially after what had happened in the summer.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client had been drinking and on his way home went into the Fountain and sang the songs.

He described the incident as 'not very wise' and added there were some people in the area including the child in the wheelchair.

The solicitor said no actual assault had taken place but Doherty had 'clenched his fists and put the child in fear.'

He said Doherty could have been 'much worse off' due to the incident.

Doherty was released on his own bail of £500 on condition he reside outside the city and does not go into the city centre.

Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter said the allegations were bad enough in themselves but told Doherty 'if the court finds this was a provocative act you are in serious trouble.'
Doherty will appear again on November 7.

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The long awaited Drumahoe to Dungiven section of the A6 road upgrade officially got underway today.

Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion welcomed the news.

"It is a positive step forward for the city," she commented.

"Work is already well underway on other sections of the A6 and when completed, this road upgrade will reduce journey times between Derry and Belfast which is vital for growing our economy and increasing connectivity.

"It will also make it much easier for visitors and tourists to travel to the city.

"This has been made possible because of the work to take this vital infrastructure project forward carried out by Chris Hazzard as Infrastructure Minister.

"This, along with other key infrastructure projects such as the A5 and the transport hub at the old Waterside train station, will all enhance this city and district for locals and others."

Photo: Sinn Féin Foyle MP Elisha McCallion and Karen Mullan MLA  meeting with officials from the Department of Infrastructure to get an update on the progression of the A6.

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A Derry MEP has said democratic action to defend public services is essential in the face of austerity.

Sinn Féin's Martina Anderson was speaking during a conference on austerity and public finances in Naples during a European Parliament study visit, Martina Anderson said:

"We’re meeting here today a decade after the global financial crisis hit. Of all the wealth created in the world today, 82% of it now goes to the richest one per cent.

"The bank bailouts, the austerity programmes, the monetary policies of the major central banks, and the failure to stamp out tax dodging by the wealthiest corporations and individuals, have all contributed to the growing gap between the rich and the poor.

"The bailout of the banks in the Irish state saddled the people with 64 billion euro of debt. When the Irish government turned to the Troika to be bailed out itself, the Commission, the ECB and the IMF pushed for the privatisation of public goods and services in return as part of their general austerity programme.

"The North of Ireland also suffered from the austerity policies of the British government. The Tory government,  now propped up by the DUP was never forced by the Troika to implement austerity - they did it voluntarily.

"But people can act to defend public services. In the south of Ireland the Right2Water movement fought to keep water in public hands. In the North. Sinn Féin Minister Conor Murphy blocked in introduction of water charges. These are examples of democracy in action and we need to see more of that across the EU to continue the fight against austerity."

Photo - Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson speaking at the conference in Naples.

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A Derry woman who became a foster carer just over a year ago has shared her story in the hope of encouraging other people to put themselves forward.

Karen (not her real name), who is a nurse and a mum of two, had always wanted to foster children.

After contacting the Western Health and Social Care Trust to find out more out more about the process she decided the time was right was her and her family.

“I had been a nurse for 18 years and I wanted to do something different,” she explained.

I had heard the radio ads about the information nights at hotels like the Everglades.

“So I phoned up and asked about it and they sent out some DVDs and brochures and leaflets and I read them all and I started thinking ‘I could do that’.”

Karen met with a social worker to get more information and then went on a six week course to learn more about foster caring.

“They tell you about the really bad cases to prepare you. It opens your eyes to what goes on.

“It’s amazing how many wains are waiting for foster care. I had no idea how many kids are in the system.

“Sometimes there can be four or five children in a family who will need foster care. They try and keep them together but it’s not always possible.

The mum of two already knew a few people who had fostered and felt she had a lot to offer.

“I always wanted more children but my marriage broke up when my youngest son was five months old and I’ve never had another relationship so I knew that wasn’t going to happen for me,” she said.

“I feel my boys are at the right age now.

“My oldest is 14 and my younger bot is 11.

“It opens up their eyes to because they can see how well off they are and that not everyone gets the good start that they got.

“There are different types of families all over the world.

“They have taken to it really well.”

After passing the necessary checks and becoming a foster carer Karen has welcomed several babies and children into her home.

She is currently looking after a little boy who has just turned four and a 13 week old baby.

Karen decided to take a three year career break to allow her to focus on fostering, but many people do it alongside full or part time work as well.

“I’m lucky that I have a good network of family around me too and my mum is very good,” she said.

“If anyone was considering fostering I would say it’s challenging but it’s very rewarding.

“Since I have started so many people have said to me ‘I’ve always thought about doing that’ but it puts people off that they will have a bond and then have to hand the baby back.

“But that’s part of the process. You go into it knowing that and you have to be prepared.

“You just take things a day at a time like you do with your own family.

“I treat my foster children like I treat my own children. Everyone gets treated the same.”

Foster carers can decide whether or not to have direct contact with the parents of the children in their care.

Karen says she has decided to meet the parents of the children she looks after and has found it to be a positive experience.

“Any parents I have had contact with have been very good there have been no bad vibes or arguments,” she explained.

Many of the children who are in foster care will go on to be adopted and Karen has already had experience of this.

“I had a little baby girl before last Christmas and I took her home from the hospital.

“She had been in the neo natal ward for a week because she was having problems with her suck.

“She was the best wain. She was just perfect and she was adopted by a young couple who couldn’t have children and they’d already adopted her older sister.”

Vanessa Nelis, Fostering Recruitment Officer for the Western Trust said there are a lot of misconceptions about who can and cannot foster.

“People often believe these myths. Don’t.  Foster carers come from all walks of life and we welcome enquiries irrespective of age, race, religion, language, culture gender, disability or sexual orientation – don’t rule yourself out. You may be exactly who we need!

If you are resilient, flexible and feel that you could help a child to grow and develop through your care then get in touch with Vanessa on T: (028) 028 8283 5264 / 7131 4244 or email: Vanessa.nelis@westerntrust.hscni.net

Picture: Vanessa Nelis, Fostering Recruitment Officer for the Western Trust

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Around a dozen people were evacuated from an apartment block in Coleraine in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, September 27) after a suspected arson attack.

Up to thirty firefighters attended the fire at Long Commons after it broke out in a second floor flat at around 2am. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue (NIFRS) personnel prevented the fire spreading to other flats.

An investigation into the fire has already begun but the NIFRS believe it was started deliberately.

Group Commander Tom Morrow said there was substantial damage to the flat where the fire began.

"The crews first in attendance did a great job suppressing that fire and stopping it spreading throughout the premises whilst rescuing people from the building at the same time," he said.

"There's a number of residents whose accommodation is no longer fit for purpose, so the Red Cross are looking after five of the residents until the Housing Executive, working with social care, is able to find them alternative accommodation."

"We believe the fire was started deliberately," he said.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Police in Limavady are appealing for information after a report of theft at the Chapel Road, Dungiven area.

Sergeant Armour said: “Sometime between 6am and 6pm on Monday 24^th September, it was reported that entry was gained to a van parked in the area. Damage was caused to the lock of the driver’s door as a result of the incident. A number of tools were taken during the incident and enquiries are continuing.

“We are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1134 24/9/18. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

With each passing year the passion for GAA grows within the city, and Orlagh Mullan spoke to primary schools’ coach and Steelstown player Neil Forester about the success of local clubs, the abundance of young talent and the excitement for the future…

Looking at senior teams within the city, last year Doire Trasna won the junior double, while this season we had two teams in championship semi-finals – Steelstown and Sean Dolans. Is it a sign that the rest of the county should sit up and take notice?

“It was good to have two teams at intermediate level from the city this year with ourselves at Steelstown and Doire Trasna. It only helps us all reach a higher standard, and although the change in league structures will affect that next season, there’s bright future ahead.

“At the end of the day, the city will be judged based on how the senior teams are performing. You look at Sean Dolans – they weren’t necessarily in and around the top of the league, but they were confident about the championship all year and they proved why when it came around. They had a good win over Doire Colmcille and what some people might have seen as a shock win over Glack – but it was all about belief. They believed in themselves, and they delivered. Even when they missed out on the final against Moneymore, it was close.

“There’s a lot to be positive about, and the fact that we have city teams in and around the championships every year shows why.”

Looking at every individual club within the city, it definitely does seem that there’s a lot for each to be positive about, for a variety of reasons, looking to the future?

“There’s a positive buzz about the place. Seeing people from every club working incredibly hard inspires everyone else. Doire Colmcille have had their pitch for a few years now, and that base is something important.

“Dolans have their club house now and they had their first Cul Camp there in the summer, and there was a great turnout. They’ve built the club back up from scratch when it looked like they could fold. The likes of Brian O’Donnell and so many others up there pulled them out of danger.

“You look at Pearses who have turned the sod on what will be their new pitch soon enough. It wasn’t long ago that it was only Steelstown who had their own ground and everyone else was having to use council pitches and work around that.”

The aim in the future is to have as many city teams as possible playing at the higher level within the county, but that will take time?

“It’s a slow process but it starts with the foundations – they have to be as strong as possible. The work within the city from U6 and U8 up has been phenomenal.

“I started primary school coaching six years ago, and at the Tower Cup back then we had five schools with six teams in total because one school brought two. Last year we had 26 primary schools in the Tower Cup finals, and we had every club firstly having individual events with six schools each.

“So many kids start with the primary school and then they go on and join their local club and it enables that club to build a strong base of U6’s, U8’s and U10’s. It’s a slow process, but at all the local clubs we are seeing the benefits now.”

At primary school level kids will always have great enthusiasm. Is it about utilising that excitement and helping them develop their love for the GAA?

“Kids of that young age will try anything. Whether you offer them netball, bowling, rugby or whatever else - they’re interested. For us it’s about showing them the GAA, and giving them a taste for it – and a lot of them really enjoy it.

“When you look now at club level at the lower age groups, so many are able to field teams and it’s because of the work of people like Brian O’Donnell (Sean Dolans), Eoghan Carlin (Doire Trasna) and Matthew Maguire (Doire Colmcille).

“Kids start playing, and they become Gaels, and they want to stick with it. It becomes their first choice and the sport they love, and they love their club. It’s about constantly working with them, though, because it would be easy for them to go home and watch soccer on the TV every week and become disinterested.

“At the younger ages of six, seven or eight, it’s so easy to get them engaged, whereas it’s a lot harder to convert a 14 or 15 year old who hasn’t played before.”

There’s been more amalgamation within the city in order to develop – the combination of Doire Colmcille and Sean Dolans as City Oaks at underage level, and the Chathair Dhoire schools team of Lumen Christi, St Columb’s College, Oakgrove and St Joe’s to play McLarnon this year. Is that a good move?

“It’s a good way for the city to get stronger and to raise the standards for us all. We have to work together to do that.

“You look at south Derry and the likes of Bellaghy, Lavey, Glen and Magherafelt – they’re all in close proximity to one another and facing one another week in, week out, and it raises the standards between players. Obviously, we’re not at that level yet in the city, but it’s the same sort of system.

“If you look at the Chathair Dhoire schools group – there’s going to be so many players in that panel getting McLarnon, ‘B’ grade football that wouldn’t get it at their individual school. They’re then taking that top class training back to their club, and it raises the standard amongst their team mates there as well, so the amalgamation has great potential.”

You’ve been able to put on regular primary schools’ tournaments over recent years to get kids playing and peak their interest. How important has it been to develop those events to encourage their passion?

“The easiest way to fall on love with football or hurling is to play. The game sells itself because it’s fast, quick and there’s a lot of skills in it.

“The primary schools have really bought into it in the last six years that I’ve been involved, and I think the clubs now realise the importance of the schools too.

“St John’s are the perfect example. They were involved last year for the first time and reached the Tower Cup final and won the indoor event – then so many of them pupils headed straight to join Dolans.”

You’ve also worked hard to have girls-only primary school events. With such a brilliant pool of talent, and with so many city players representing Derry at senior level, how important was that for you?

“Steelstown have a top-quality girls set-up, so coming up with the Steelstown Cup was easy for me. It made sense to separate the boys and girls because the demand was there.

“The last two years we’ve had a girls’ indoor tournament, but this year we’re doing an outdoor Tower Cup for the girls too for the first time. It’s a step forward and we want equal opportunities for all the kids.

“There’s huge potential for girls in the city – we have so many fantastic players who could easily make county teams. There were a few girls from St John’s and Pennyburn who really impressed, and Colmcille have a young player that has incredible talent and has already shown that in trials. The promise is there without doubt, so it’s about nurturing that.”

More recently we have seen local players making more of an impact on the inter-county scene, at underage level especially. Is that something that can be built on with the young talent coming through now?

“It’s been fantastic, particularly in Steelstown, recently. The last few years we’ve had Ben McCarron and the two Eoghans – Bradley and Concannon – at minor and U20 level and they’ve plenty of Ulster medals and All-Ireland appearances between them.

“They’re three talented players, and Ben in particular has done fantastically well making the Top 20 U20 Team of the Year for this season, and he still has two years at that age group.

“As a club, it’s fantastic to have those top-quality players involved, and it only helps the county. There’s no point in focusing on one part, we have to raise the standards across Derry to improve at inter-county level.”

As a Steelstown club man, you also have the only hurling club in the city – Na Magha – in close proximity. Do you think that the football and hurling can work hand in hand from underage to senior level?

“The two sports work well with one another. I know in Steelstown we have a lot of dual players. One of our U16’s – Padhraig Nelis – who plays with Na Magha, won an underage All-Ireland title with Derry in the summer, which is superb.

“Alan Grant is a massive player for both Dolans and Na Magha too. It inspires others and it gives everyone a boost seeing Gaelic Games being promoted within the city.

“The two crossover well, and it’s great to see the success and young ones coming through in both football and hurling.”

So, where do we go from here?

“We’ve got a good base now, but we can’t take our eye off the ball. We have to keep going and keep working hard because the rewards do come.

“You look at St Joe’s and Lumen Christi who have both won Ulster titles in the last few years. That’s not just boys who have picked up a ball for the first time, it’s ones that have come through from the primary school programme and have developed.

“It’s a slow process but we have to keep pushing because this year’s U8’s and U10’s are the senior players of the future.

“There’s so many clubs across the city that everyone will have a local one nearby. Being a part of that GAA club environment is something special, and it would be brilliant to see the underage numbers continuing to grow across the city.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A late free from substitute Cailean O'Boyle proved the winner for Lavey in Wednesday's pulsating Derry SFC Quarter-Final replay at Owenbeg.

After a below par drawn game on Sunday, the 1,534 in attendance were treated to a fantastic advert for championship football that ebbed and flowed until Lavey's late winner.

Jason Rocks was pushed up as an highly effective ball-winner and he took advantage of hesitancy in the Lavey defence for a goal to put Loup 1-3 to 0-5 in front after 15 minutes.

Watch: @laveygac manager Seamus Downey hails the input of his bench #DerrySFC #TheToughest pic.twitter.com/FiCiVSS7HU

— County Derry Post (@derrypost) September 27, 2018

Two Niall Toner goals lit up the first-half, after being curbed by Conall McGinley in the drawn game.  Toner blasted over a penalty that could have earned him a first-half hat-trick.

Lavey led narrowly (2-7 to 1-9) at the break but with Kevin O'Neill proving a handful at full-forward for the Erins Own men, they shot into a commanding 2-12 to 1-10 lead after 36 minutes

But back came Loup, with a sustained period of control at midfield and with Caolan Devlin and Anthony O'Neill in accurate form, they draw level with two minutes remaining

Niall Toner then edged Lavey ahead before Anthony O'Neill landed a pressure kick to level the game in the 62nd minute.

There was still time for a hero and when another Aidan Toner run put Lavey on the attack, Cailean O'Boyle won a free which he tapped over to win the game.

Lavey now face Glen in the semi-finals, with Ballinascreen awaiting the winner of Coleraine's Quarter-Final replay with Slaughtneil (Wed, October 3).

Lavey: Ciaron O’Boyle (0-2f), Aidan Toner, Conor Mulholland, Colm Dillon, Hugh McGurk, Michael Drumm, Eamon McGill, Declan Hughes, Caolan McGurk, Shane McGill,  Anthony McGurk (0-2, 1f), Colm Murphy (0-1), Chrissy Henry (0-1), Kevin O’Neill (0-3), Niall Toner (2-4, 0-1 pen).
Subs: Shane Lagan for H McGurk (HT), Cailean O’Boyle (0-2f) for A McGurk (43), Damian Chivers for C Murphy (51), Thomas Donnelly for K O’Neill (58),

Loup: Thomas Mallon, Collie McVey, Dominic McVey, Conall McGinley (0-1), Gary Doyle, Thomas McVey, Sean Rocks, Terence O’Brien, Aidan McAlynn, Mick McVey, Brian Doyle (0-2), Anthony O’Neill (0-6, 5f), Caolan Devlin (0-7, 4f), Jason Rocks (1-0), Ciaran Devlin (0-1).
Subs: Declan McVey for M McVey (38), Connor McVey for S Rocks (41), Marc Devlin for Ciaran Devlin (48), Pauric McCorry for G Doyle (60), Sean Rocks for Dominic McVey (BC 63).

Ref: Mark McGeehan (Ballinderry).#

Pic: Mary K Burke

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Gerard Peoples
PEOPLES, 27th September, 2018, at his residence, 5 Barnailt Park, Claudy, Co. Derry, Gerard, beloved brother of Louis, Kathleen (Mullan), Angela (Brewer) and the late Charlie, Willie, Terence, Brendan, Joseph and George R.I.P. Funeral from his late residence to St. Patrick's Church, Claudy on Saturday 29th for Requiem Mass at 11.00am with interment in adjoining cemetery immediately after.Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.Deeply regretted by his brother, sisters, nephews, nieces and family circle.

Edward (Eddie) Shields
R.I.P. 26th September 2018 Suddenly at his home: 64 Marianus Park Hazelbank Derry. Beloved husband of Sheila, loving father of John, Edward, Graham, Keith, Myra, Ronan, David, Melissa, Frank, Anna, and Elizabeth, and the late Darryl, and Cheryl. A much loved grandfather. Dear brother of George, Emma, and the late Jackie, and Hubert. Funeral from his home on Saturday 29th at 9.20am for requiem mass at 10am in Holy Family Church Ballymagroarty followed by interment in City cemetery. Family flowers only please donations in lieu to Foyle Hospice 61 Culmore Road Derry BT48 8JE. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.

James (Jim) McNicholl
James (Jim) McNicholl (96d Main Street, Dungiven) died peacefully in Belfast City Hospital on September 26th 2018, RIP. Loving son of the late Jim and Philomena RIP.
Jim will be waked from 22 Columbia Park, Foreglen, Dungiven BT47 4PD. House private from 10pm to 11am. Funeral leaving from here on September 29th for 11am Requiem Mass in St Peter and St Paul's Church, Ballymonie, Foreglen. Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery.Deeply regretted by his close friends and wider family circle. Donations in lieu to Cancer Care Unit, Belfast City Hospital c/o McGillian Brothers Funeral Directors, 9 Derrychrier Rd, Dungiven BT47 4TE St Pio, pray for him.

Anne Doherty (née Elliot)
26th September 2018 , beloved wife of the late Fonsy, loving mother of Brian, John, Stephen, Karen, Eamon and Liam and a much loved grandmother and great grandmother.
Funeral from her home, 23 Hillview Avenue, Prehen on Saturday at 9.25 am for 10 o’clock Requiem Mass in St Columb’s Church, Waterside. Interment afterwards in St Mary’s cemetery, Ardmore.
Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers if wished to the Foyle Hospice, 61 Culmore Road, Derry, BT48 8JE.

Evelyn Margaret (Lyn) Goligher
Goligher - September 27, 2018, peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital, Evelyn Margaret (Lyn), 2 Coolafinney Road, Eglinton.
Much loved daughter of the late John and Evelyn, loving sister of Thelma, Barbara and Drew. Funeral from her late home on Sunday at 1.30pm for service in Faughanvale Presbyterian Church at 2.00pm, followed by interment in adjoining churchyard.Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Macmillan Cancer Care c/o Browns Funeral Directors, 25 Church Street, Limavady. Will be very sadly missed by her entire family circle.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Police in Derry are appealing for witnesses following an incident in the Queens Quay area of the city on Wednesday evening, 26 September.

It was reported that at around 5.15pm a man was driving in the area of Queens Quay when the male driver of another car stopped in front of him.

The male driver approached the man and assaulted him before returning to his vehicle and driving off.

A 45-year-old man was arrested later in the evening on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was interviewed and later release don police bail pending further enquiries.

Constable Watton is appealing for anyone who was in the area of Strand Road or Queens Quay and who witnessed the incident to contact officers in Strand Road.

Police are particularly keen to speak with anyone who has any mobile phone or dashcam footage of the incident.

Please call 101 quoting reference 1039 26/09/18.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Police in Strand Road are appealing for information following a report of burglary at residential premises at the Duncastle Park area of Newbuildings on Saturday 22nd September.

Sometime between 6:15pm and 9:15pm, it was reported that entry was gained at the rear of the property.

A quantity of jewellery including a wedding ring, engagement ring and eternity ring which are of extremely sentimental value to the occupants were stolen during the incident.

No one was believed to have been inside the property during the incident.

Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information or who saw any suspicious persons or vehicles in the Duncastle Park area or the Newbuildings Industrial Estate at the time of the incident to contact detectives in Strand Road on 101 quoting reference number 1387 22/9/18.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

The PSNI in Derry has revealed that human excrement was thrown at one of its vehicles during an incident in Derry yesterday.

Police have said that the incident took place while its officers were on patrol in the Creggan area.

"What levels of hygiene does he or she aspire to?" a police spokesperson stated on their Facebook page.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy has welcomed the decision by Derry City and Strabane District Council to back her motion which called on the Council to become the first in the North to support the “On the Ball” campaign.

The aim of the campaign is to provide free sanitary products in as many sporting grounds and public buildings as possible to combat the ever growing issue of period poverty.

And as an initial step that the council looks at the feasibility and implementation of providing free sanitary products in Council facilities in keeping with the “On The Ball” campaign.

Speaking after the announcement tonight Councillor Duffy said “It’s great news that the council have backed my motion and has now become the first council in the North to embrace the “On the Ball” campaign to help prevent Period Poverty.

“I hope that more councils adopt my motion and support the growing efforts to eradicate Period Poverty and highlight the issue at every opportunity.

“Since I embarked on highlighting the “On the Ball” campaign locally it’s amazing to see just how quickly things have moved and how much support I have received. For many people it’s a very private issue so as elected representatives it’s our job to help bring about change and practical ways of support.

“The Scottish and Welsh Governments are heavily involved in bringing about practical measures to tackle period poverty. And over 40 major soccer clubs have now implemented providing free sanitary products at their stadiums.

“If anyone wants to talk about the issue they can contact me on 07800 506328."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

There will be a scheduled closure of the railway line between Derry and Coleraine during the first weekend in October due to the work underway on the sustainable cross-border Transport Hub at the former Waterside Train Station.

In order to facilitate extensive track and signalling works as part of the project, there will be a number of short-term line closures throughout the period of work – these will be timed in order to minimise disruption for railway users as far as possible.

The first of these will be from 10:30pm on Friday 5 October until the morning of Monday 8 October. These essential works are the first stage in the railway scheme, and return bus substitution services will be provided from Derry to Coleraine, with a secondary bus substitution service from Coleraine to Castlerock, throughout the weekend.

Normal services will resume on the morning of Monday 8 October, with no further planned closures of the line until spring 2019.

On the evening of Friday 5 October, the 20:10 and 21:10 NI Railways services from Great Victoria Street will operate to Portrush, with substitute buses departing from Coleraine Bus and Rail Centre for Derry~Londonderry via Limavady at 21:50 and 22:50 respectively.

The bus substitution services will depart from Foyle Street Bus Centre, travelling via the city’s train station and Limavady Bus Centre before terminating at Coleraine Bus and Rail Centre. Services will run every hour from 6am on Saturday 6 October and every two hours from 9am on Sunday 7 October.

Passengers who would normally travel from Bellarena should board and exit the substitute services at Limavady Bus Centre.

Return services from Coleraine will run to the same frequency.

A normal railway timetable will operate between Belfast and Coleraine for the duration of this closure.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.