Derry Now

Tributes have been paid to a Derry Republican who died today, Jamesie Quinn, dear friend of the late former Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness.

Acknowledgements for the late Mr Quinn were shared via social media.

William McGuinness, brother of the late Martin McGuinness, wrote: “A true friend and comrade until the end. No task was too great nor too small for Jamesie , when we were in need he was a friend in deed.”

Derry Sinn Féin MLA, Raymond McCartney, wrote: “Today we mourn the loss of Jamsie Quinn, a man of great integrity and courage. We have lost a lifelong Republican who was always there. Thoughts with the Quinn family.

“The expression, ‘May the wind be always at your back’ comes to mind.

“Go raibh an gaoth go brách ag do chul.”

Phil Cunningham, Derry author, wrote: “Jamesie Quinn, fisherman, legend and friend to many, many people from all walks of life. Rest in Peace.”

Former Sinn Féin Councillor, Colly Kelly extended his sympathies to the Quinn family: “So sad to hear this, thoughts are with the Quinn family at this sad time.”

While Paddy Roddy, a lifeling friend of Mr Quinn’s left a very poignant and touching tribute, citing the A.E. Housman poem, A Shropshire Lad.

“So sad today to learn of the death of a lifelong friend, Jamsie Quinn, one of life's gentlemen.

“We learned so much as his friend the memories of hunting, shooting and fishing will never be forgotten; many the riverbank and mountain we walked together but will never walk again brings the great poem of A. E. Housman's from the Shropshire Lad .

“Into my heart on air that kills, From yon far country blows: What are those blue remembered hills, What spires, what farms are those?

“That is the land of lost content, I see it shining plain, The happy highways where I went, And cannot come again. - Rest peacefully, my friend.”

Pictured above: Left - The late Jamesie Quinn and on the right, the late Mr Quinn with his friend, the late Martin McGuinness.

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 free event, ‘Making Community Connections’ will be held next Thursday for volunteers and community organisers.

The event, which will take place on October 11 in the Holywell Trust on Bishop Street between 12pm and 3.30pm, is co-produced by Grow Wild, Amplify NI, Eden Project Communities and supported by North West Community Network.

The focus is on working on making connections with other projects as well as with communities. The afternoon of community conversation is designed for volunteers and community organisers.

Grainne McCloskey, Eden Project Northern Ireland, manager said: “As National Lottery Funded community projects, Grow Wild, Amplify NI and The Big Lunch reap the benefits of working together in partnership.
“We know everyone works long hours within your own communities but taking time to raise your head make connections, explore new ideas and find out what others are doing is important too.

“Join us for an afternoon of community conversation designed for volunteers and anyone working in the community or who has an idea they would like to try to get started.

“Share your local insights and get the inside word on Grow Wild funding. Find out how to Amplify your community ideas and get connected with #TheBigLunch and people across Northern Ireland, bringing people together and making good things happen where they live.”

A hot lunch will be served at midday and anyone with dietary requirements can email nscullion@edenproject.com.

The organisers ask that no more than two tickets are booked per project.

For more information on the event, visit https://nw-connected.eventbrite.co.uk

Pictured above: 'Making Communities Connections' Niamh Scullion and Kathleen Kerr at the Big Lunch Event

A 29-year-old man is expected to appear at Magherafelt Magistrates Court this morning charges with a series of offences that took place in Counties Derry and Antrim on Monday (October 8).

The man faces a total of 25 charges including aggravated burglary, hijacking, grievous bodily harm with intent, arson endangering life, dangerous driving and burglary.

Two males have been charged with the murder of a homeless man in Maghera.

The remains of 36-year-old Polish national, Piotr Krowka were found in a former parochial house on the Glen Road in the south Derry town in April this year.

A 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man are expected to appear at Magherafelt Magistrates Court this morning (Wednesday, October 10).

At the time of the murder, police said they believed Mr Krowka was sleeping rough in a derelict property in the town.

SHARKEY, (nee Gibbons) 9th. October 2018. Peacefully in Hospital, MARGARET, (Formerly of Moore Street, Waterside) Beloved Wife of the late Patrick Joseph, Loving Mother of Tanya, Damian, Kevin, Joanne and Paul, a dear and loving Grandmother, Sister and Aunt.
Funeral leaving her home 5 Poplar Road, on Thursday the 11th. inst. at 9:20A.M. to St. Columb's Church Chapel Road, for Requiem Mass at 10:00A.M. Interment afterwards in St. Mary's Cemetery Ardmore.
Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on her soul.
Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for her.

MOONEY, David James (Davy) October, 8, 2018 Peacefully at Foyle Hospice (surrounded by his loving family) loving husband of Jacqueline, much loved daddy of Stephen, Charlene and Craig, dear father-in-law of Victoria, adored granda of Katelyn, Max and Rio, dearest brother of Violet and the late Kenneth, darling son of the late David and Evelyn.
Funeral leaving the family home 47, Herron Way, Clooney on Wednesday 10th October at 1.30pm followed by a Service of Thanksgiving for his life in Ebrington Presbyterian Church at 2.00pm burial afterwards in Altnagelvin Cemetery.
Family flowers only, donations in lieu if desired to Foyle Hospice c/o Mrs. Ruth Hay, Funeral Director, 24A, Church Road, Altnagelvin, Londonderry BT47 3QQ
Very deeply regretted and will be loving remembered by his entire family circle.
The Lord is my Shepherd.

QUINN, James 9th October 2018, Peacefully at home.
Beloved Husband of Sheila and Loving Father of Gerard, Dermot, Seamus, Aileen, Oonagh and the late Siobhan.
Dear Brother of the late Kathleen Begley.
Funeral from his home 9 Gartan Square, on Friday 12th October at 9:20am to St. Eugene's Cathedral for Requiem Mass at 10:00am.
Interment immediately afterwards in the City Cemetery.
Sacred Heart of Jesus have Mercy on his soul.

BOYLE, (nee Jennings) Bridget 9th October 2018, Peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital.
Beloved Wife of the late Jim and Loving Mother of Sean, James, Terry, Onewy, Ethna, Rosemary and the late Helen, Cathy, Harry and Mark. Dear Mother-in-Law of John.
Funeral from her daughter Rosemary's Home, 1 Glassagh Park, Creggan on Thursday 11th October 2018 at 9:30am to Saint Mary's Church, Creggan for Requiem Mass at 10:00am.
Interment immediately afterwards in the City Cemetery.
Sacred Heart of Jesus have Mercy on her soul.

A Derry MLA has urged Derry City and Strabane District Council to ensure lights are repaired on the Waterside Greenway.
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said the stretch from the Foyle Bridge to St Columb's Park is currently unsafe due to broken street lamps.

'' We are very lucky to have such fantastic green infrastructure in and around Derry and the next few years should see even further improvements in this regard with the extension of the Greenway out to Strathfoyle as well as new cross-border routes to Muff and Buncrana," said Mr Durkan.

"It is important that the greenways we do have are maintained properly to maximise the number of people who use them to run,walk or cycle either for leisure or just to get from A to B.

"Currently the lights from Foyle Bridge to Start Columb's Park along Waterside Greenway are not working. This renders that stretch almost pitch dark and this is causing users risk of injury and fear of attack.

"I have contacted Council about this issue and it will hopefully be resolved very soon.''

A Derry supermarket has confirmed it will remove all single-use plastics and black plastic packaging from fruit and veg products in its stores across the north.
Local Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy has welcomed the announcement that the supermarket chain will implement further measures to remove black plastic packaging from other items by Summer 2019.
The party’s local Energy, Environment & Climate Change spokesperson said: “Moves by Lidl to remove all-single use plastics and black plastic packaging from the fruit and veg range in their stores is a positive step in the fight against plastic pollution.
“Black plastic containers cannot be recycled and it’s estimated that this initiative will result in the removal of 65 tonnes of plastic waste each year.
“This figures should act as an incentive for other stores and manufacturers to get involved in tackling this manmade problem.
“With over 10 million tonnes of plastic waste leaking into our oceans each year, we are reaching a critical point.
“We all have a responsibility to make the right choice and move to renewable alternatives that will help drive the fight against plastic pollution.”

Damian McErlain has been ratified as Derry senior football manager for the 2019 season, following a meeting of Derry County Board on Tuesday night.

McErlain was appointed last August on a three-year term, following three seasons in charge of the county’s minor team.

Derry will open their NFL division four campaign away to Antrim in January.

The draw for the Ulster SFC will take place on Thursday night.

Mickey Donnelly returns as U20 football manager for a second season as Derry bid to retain their Ulster title.

Paddy Campbell, who commenced trials on Sunday for the 2019 season, is back in charge of the minor footballers.

Kevin Kelly, who previously ruled himself out of the vacant senior hurling post, will return as minor hurling manager after leading Derry to glory in the Celtic Challenge.

Two teenagers have appeared before Magherafelt Court this morning charged with murder.

Adrian Kozak (18), of Craigmore Heights, Maghera, and a 17 year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared before the court jointly charged with the murder of Polish national, Piotr Krowka on March 31 this year.

The remains of the 36 year-old (pictured above) were found in a former parochial house on the Glen Road.

At the time of the murder, police said they believed Mr Krowka was sleeping rough in the derelict property.

Both accused were led into the courtroom in handcuffs as members of their families looked on.

Neither of the teenagers spoke during the short hearing.

An investigating officer told the court that he could connect both defendants to the charge.

Solicitor Pat McGuckin, who represented both teenagers, said he would not be applying for bail for either defendant.

The youth was detained in custody to appear via videolink before Dungannon Court on October 16.

Kozak was also remanded in custody and will appear via videolink before Magherafelt Magistrates Court on October 17 for the purposes of a bail application.

A Derry MLA has welcomed Shared Education Week and says it has an important role in promoting a shared future for our children.

"Shared education has a key role to play in building a shared society as well as improving the attainment of our young people,” Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Karen Mullan commented.

Speaking after attending the launch of Shared Education Week at Girdwood Hub, the Foyle MLA said:

“Education has the potential to play a crucial role in the development of the type of shared society that we wish to see.

“The research around educational underachievement and inequality clearly demonstrates that genuine co-operation and good leadership within schools and communities provides the potential to yield better results and higher levels of attainment.

“Increased levels of sharing and co-operation between schools and across different sectors is key to delivering a comprehensive access to the curriculum on the basis of equality. We already have many examples of schools sharing facilities and collaborating with each other in a range of areas and with the levels of funding promised for shared education we would hope to see much more of it in the future.

“Sinn Féin is committed to providing all children with the option of accessing shared education which I believe can play a part in furthering reconciliation as well as impacting positively on educational outcomes.”

Shared Education events are running all week and for more information or to register go online: www.selfni.org/shared-education-week/

The male lead of a smash hit West End musical says Derry audiences are in for a treat when the production comes to Derry next week.

With more than 20 major awards to its credit, an Oscar winning film version, and featuring some of the best loved songs in musical theatre, including ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ Evita is an iconic classic

Mike Sterling plays the role of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón the in the musical, which charts the rise of his wife Eva from peasant to spiritual leader of the nation.

“It is a real love story,” explained Mike, who is best known for his long running role as The Phantom in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’.

“Their relationship starts off like a sort of contract or a business arrangement but he falls in love with her.

“Whatever people think of dictators this guy is clever, he studies everything.

“And we show people the human side of him.”

The production is being brought to Derry straight from its West End run with all the production values that entails.

“They have really gone to town with the set, the orchestra, the cast- it’s just incredible,” said Mike.

“This type of production is not seen very often.

“Eva is played by Lucy O’Byrne who is really incredible and she is just 27-years-old.

“She takes Eva from a 15-year –old girl to a 33-year-old woman.

“And that journey is really something.

“She is one of the first women to make that impact. She became like a queen.”

And Mike says he looking forward to bringing the production to the North West.

“This will be my first time in Derry but I’m very much looking forward to seeing what it has to offer.

“Especially the Guinness.”

Evita performs at the Millennium Forum from Tuesday October 9 to Saturday October 13. Tickets are now available from the Box Office. Telephone 71 264455 or visit millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

Swatragh’s Anton Tohill could be on the verge of a move to Australia and a career in the AFL.

Tohill confirmed he was one of four Irish players at the AFL Draft Combine in Melbourne recently.

Mark Keane (Cork), Carlow's Jordan Morrissey and Pierce Laverty of Down were also among the 85 draft hopefuls in attendance.

Tohill and Keane were called up for the draft following performances and test results at a Combine in UCD last December, followed by a camp in Florida after Christmas.

Anton confirmed, to the County Derry Post, that he had been working on his game in Ireland with the help of former AFL players Colm Begley and Marty Clarke.

While in Melbourne, Tohill trained and had meetings with St Kilda, Collingwood, Geelong and Essendon, as well as visiting Hawthorn.

It is understood Collingwood and St Kilda are along clubs considering signing Tohill on a rookie deal.

"Footy is for me, I want to give it a good crack," Tohill told AFL.com.au, the Official AFL website.

"I also met up with St Kilda's Darragh Joyce for a chat in Dublin recently and we had a great chat about the lifestyle of an AFL footballer, playing footy professionally and what it's like living in Melbourne.”

Tohill’s father Anthony, an iconic midfielder during his GAA career, was on the books with Melbourne Demons before returning to win an All-Ireland title with Derry.

Another Swatragh man, Oisin McWiliams, went on trial with North Melbourne and Limavady's Callum Brown has been in Australia for trials with GWS Giants.

Ulster Junior Camogie Championship
Quarter-Final Replay
Bellaghy 1-14 Granemore 3-6

Michael McMullan at Páirc Seán de Brún

Whatever was said in the Bellaghy dressing room at half-time should be bottled and sold.

An awesome second-half display of grit, skill and scoring saw Eamon Darragh’s side into the last four.

After skating on thin ice at times during the first-half, they only trailed by two points.

The Tones came out after the break to score five unanswered points as their self-belief radiated as the bright the midweek lights.

They were unstuck by two minutes of sloppy defending allowing Granemore’s Rachel Merry to score two goals from long range.

It was decision time. Battle or roll over. Bellaghy close the former.

The final whistle as Bellaghy advance in @UlsterCamogie championship @OfficialCamogie @GranemoreGFC 3-6@BellaghyGAC 1-14 pic.twitter.com/RXTkS1EqRp

— County Derry Post (@derrypost) October 10, 2018

Trailing 3-5 to 0-11 going into the final quarter, the home side had to pull out the stops to deservedly go into a winning position for a second time.

A 56^th minute goal from player of the match Roisin Gallagher was followed by a point for Grainne Convery and the home fans were in raptures.

Bellaghy now play Cavan champions Crosserlough on Sunday (2.30) at home.

But Wednesday's epic nearly didn’t take place, with a floodlight failure threatening to spoil the midweek showpiece.

Following a first county title in 25 years and a jaw-dropping drawn game, the midweek fixture brought a sizeable and expectant crowd.

Like their camogie team, the Bellaghy volunteers refused to take no for an answer and 45 minutes later the lights were in full flow as Owen Elliott threw in the ball.

It was point for point in a low-scoring opening quarter, with Bellaghy’s defence in resolute form against a dangerous and fast-moving Granemore side.

Rachel Merry scored the first of her three goals and Granemore could’ve had a second.

Bellaghy rode their luck at times but overall their defence was in brilliant form and three frees from Gallagher kept the Tones in touch.

With the second-half barely settled into action, Aisling McErlean, Roisin Cassidy and Niamh McElwee rattled off three points.

With the crowd electrifying the girls in blue, Bellaghy took control of the game but they leaked two goals – against the run of play – to go behind once again, 3-5 to 0-11.

Gallagher from a free and fantastic Grainne Convery point, following a Gallagher pass had Bellaghy back in the game.

Then came a powerful run from Roisin Gallagher and an unstoppable shot to the net, putting the Tones back in front with three minutes remaining.

Grainne Convery hit the insurance point, as Bellaghy held on during four minutes of injury time for victory.

Sunday's semi-final is fixed for 2.30 in Bellaghy, with the club's minor footballers in action at Owenbeg (4.00) in the MFC Final against Lavey.

MATCH STATS:

Bellaghy: Lorraine Diamond, Aoife Bradley, Aine McElwee, Grainne McClenaghan, Sarah Molloy, Sarah Cassidy, Aislinn Craig, Sarah Darragh, Roisin Cassidy (0-2), Roísín Gallagher (1-6, 6f, 1 ‘45’), Therese McClaverty, Niamh McElwee (0-2), Aisling McErlean (0-1), Grainne Convery (0-2), Roisin Loughlin (0-1).

Granemore: Bronagh Mone, Clodagh McClelland, Saoirse McClelland, Aoibheann McClelland, Colleen O’Hare, Grainne Kelly, Tara Doyle, Aileen Doyle, Ciara Hill, Jordan Carr, Rachel Merry (3-5, 2f), Aoife Haughey, Kate Smyth, Ciarrai Devlin, Corinna Doyle (0-1).

Ref: Owen Elliott (Antrim).

Tributes are being paid to well-known republican, Bessie McCartney, who has passed away.

Mrs McCartney, the mother of former Long Kesh hunger striker and Sinn MLA Raymond McCartney, celebrated her 92nd birthday earlier this month.

Paying tribute, Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Elisha McCallion described her as an “amazing woman.”

Mrs McCallion added Mrs McCartney would “never be forgotten” for she passed her love, strength and “wonderful character” onto her “equally amazing” sons, daughters and many grandchildren.

She concluded: “God bless you all this day and give you the strength to get through the next few days.”

Derry-born presidential candidate Peter Casey has officially launched his Presidential campaign.

The Donegal-based entrepreneur launched his campaign at The Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC) in CHQ on Dublin’s Quays recently.

Under the campaign banner, Small Country; Big Nation, he plans, as President, to leverage the economic and social resources represented by Ireland’s extensive diaspora.

His primary initiative is to connect the Irish abroad with the homeland as he believes the diaspora is one of Ireland’s greatest and most under-utilised assets.

Mr Casey said: “As someone who has lived among the diaspora on three continents, I can see how important it is for us to connect with the Irish abroad.

“The global Irish community is huge, and re-igniting emigrant links with home, is a two-way street that works for everyone!

“Let’s engage the powerhouse that is the Irish abroad; and in a powerful, meaningful way – not just a token nod in their direction, in a speech every so often.”

The businessman and former Dragon’s Den star is an Independent candidate in the Presidential election on October 26 and promises to do right by the people of Ireland at home and abroad.

“I have no political or business agenda; I have no axe to grind, no one big issue I am blinkered on, and nothing to prove to myself.

“I am here to serve and, if I had one message alone, it is that Ireland punches above its weight on a world stage already, and that we can do so much more to really leverage our ‘people power’ at home and abroad,” he stated.

The Greencastle resident vows to galvanise the 80 million Irish abroad and to support the undocumented Irish people in America.

“Let us show the President of the United States that we can influence the 40 million people there who identify themselves as Irish.

“Let’s use our people power, and get something done about the “undocumented Irish” or threatened trade tariffs, or whatever issue it is a small nation should normally roll-over on.

“My personal qualifications for the Presidency include vast and varied experience as a family man, a businessman, a widely travelled person who has lived and worked abroad, and an astute observer of societies and how they function best,” he added.

Mr Casey founded Claddagh Resources in 1993 and the executive recruitment firm now has offices in Donegal, Dublin, Chicago, Atlanta and Sydney, which delivers recruitment solutions to global corporations.

Mr Casey grew up on the Bogside in Derry during The Troubles; one of nine children’s raised by hard-working parents who made sacrifices to send their children to college.

He is married to Helen, a Dubliner, and they have homes in Greencastle and Atlanta, Georgia, as well as a base in Dublin.

A father of five, Mr Casey’s eldest son is a post graduate student studying in Ireland, while his younger son works in the business, and two of his three daughters attend university in the USA, while one is finishing High School.

Bathing water at four Co Derry beaches are amongst the best in Europe, according to the latest figures.

Bathing water quality at Benone, Downhill, Castlerock and Portstewart have been classified as ‘excellent’ according to the Department of the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

David Small, Head of DAERA’s Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group, welcomed the publication of the 2018 results.

“This is a superb result for our beaches, especially given the changeable weather our coastline is often subject to, but more importantly, it’s good news for our holidaymakers and bathers who can confidently enjoy our fabulous beaches,” he said.

“We take great pride in these results and know that maintaining them will take a sustained effort. We will continue to work to reduce water pollution to keep our bathing waters clean and safe.

“Our beaches are a priceless resource to tourism and to the health and well-being of our local communities and visitors alike. It is imperative that we continue to strive for the very highest of standards,” added Mr Small.

The results were announced today at the Better Beaches Forum whose members include DAERA, NI Water, coastal local authorities, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the National Trust, Surfers Against Sewage and some coastal community groups.

The Forum works to improve water quality, improve beach cleanliness, manage facilities and keep the public better informed.

Pictured above is Benone beach.

The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, the largest business network in the North West, is to host its 61^st annual President’s Dinner on Friday, October 12 in the Everglades Hotel.

The theme of this year’s prestigious event is the City Deal, looking at the impact and importance of a deal for the North West city region.

North West Regional College is this year’s corporate partner and the President’s Dinner will be hosted by Sarah Travers (pictured above), with more than 300 attendees from across the diverse business community in attendance.

The dinner audience will hear from guest speakers, John Kelpie, the Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Darragh McCarthy, the Founder and CEO of FinTrU, the multi-award-winning financial services company that has recently expanded its presence into the North West.

Jennifer McKeever, President of the Londonderry Chamber, said: “The Annual President’s Dinner is a focal point in the business calendar and this year is no exception.

“It is taking place at an exciting time for the region with the expansion of businesses such as FinTrU, as well as the invitation to submit a City Deal bid.

“A City Deal would have huge, positive impact across the North West, fueling the regional economy and providing opportunities for growth.”

“The event provides the perfect opportunity to discuss and explore the City Deal more and I am delighted to be able to welcome John Kelpie, Leo Murphy and Darragh McCarthy as our guest speakers to share their insights and visions.”

She added: “As the last President’s Dinner to take place before Brexit, it is the word that remains on everyone’s lips. Although there are concerns and uncertainties about the road ahead, there are also opportunities.

“The North West can be an important gateway in terms of location and development post-Brexit and the Chamber will continue to work to highlight this.”

Principal and Chief Executive North West Regional College, Leo Murphy said: “We are delighted to be a corporate partner for the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President’s Dinner, in line with our determination to work together with industry partners to help build a strong and sustainable economy for the North West.

“Our College is committed to providing sustainable solutions to skills shortages in this region and supporting innovation activities for industry across a number of sectors.”

“We have strategically positioned the College at the centre of local economic development to support companies in pursuit of business growth and help attract new investment to the city region.

“We will continue working with all key stakeholders to create more and better jobs enhance prosperity and advance social and economic development.

“We are strong supporters in bidding with other economic partners in Derry~Londonderry Strabane City region Deal and will work closely with all partners to ensure a successful outcome.”

Derry shoppers will be challenged on their sums over the next eight days as part of a quirky Maths Week Ireland treasure hunt.

The Sum Craic Maths Quest from Izak9 is open to challengers of all ages at Foyleside Shopping Centre from October 13-21.

Participants are tasked to find and solve maths problems which will be displayed in different shops throughout the centre.

Treasure hunters are urged to be on the lookout for colourful Izak9 cubes in the window displays of nine selected stores. Each challenge will include instructions on how to play and the locations of entry form drop boxes in the centre.

One number cruncher who gets all nine answers correct will take away the top prize of £500 with five runners-up each receiving £50 Foyleside vouchers.

The Sum Craic Maths Quest will run throughout Maths Week Ireland which ends on Sunday, October 21.

Organiser Franz Schlindwein, creator of the Izak9 interactive learning resource, says: “We’ve partnered with Maths Week Ireland to encourage everyone from primary schoolers to pensioners to engage with maths in a fun and interactive way.

“Visitors to Foyleside are tasked to find each set of cubes and work out each answer. It promises to be a great, family-fun activity to challenge all ages with sums.”

Foyleside Shopping Centre Manager, Fergal Rafferty, adds: “We are proud to be associated with Maths Week Ireland and delighted to host the Sum Craic Maths Quest in Foyleside Shopping Centre.

“Shoppers are invited to take on the challenge at their leisure as the competition will run all week long during centre opening hours. We’re certainly looking forward to a buzz of activity as number crunchers of all ages join in the fun.”

Eoin Gill, Maths Week Ireland Co-ordinator, adds: "Maths Week aims to promote a positive attitude towards maths and this is particularly important for young learners.

"The Sum Craic challenge is a great way for parents and grandparents to make maths fun for children. Great credit goes to Foyleside Shopping Centre and to Franz and his team for making this great activity available to the community."

The competition will be open for entries from 9am on Saturday, October 13 until 4pm on Sunday, October 21. The winner will then be randomly selected from the correct entries.

The Sum Craic Maths Quest from Izak9 will also be hosted at St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre in Dublin on Saturday, October 20 as part of the ‘Maths in the City’ showcase by Maths Week Ireland.

For a full list of Izak9 events throughout the island of Ireland during Maths Week, log on to www.izak9.com/mathsweek

Now in its 12th year Maths Week has grown to be the biggest festival of its kind in the world engaging over 300,000 in 2016.

At present more than 200 schools and over 30,000 pupils are committed to participating this year across Northern Ireland. That figure is expected to grow considerably during Maths Week from October 13-21.

A Loughs Agency investigation into illegal pre-season fishing activities for native oysters in Lough Foyle, has resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of oysters.

Bags of illegally fished oysters were seized on Monday, October 8, the day before the Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery was scheduled to open.

The bags of oysters were buoyed offshore prior to the official opening of the fishery at 6am on October 9.

Loughs Agency Fishery Officers mounted an operation to recover the bags early on Monday morning before weather conditions deteriorated.

Live oysters recovered from the bags were returned to the Lough and investigations are ongoing.

Loughs Agency are also aware that a number of licenced oyster operators got into difficulties during the opening day of the season. The decision as to whether or not to go to sea remains the responsibility of the Master of the vessel.

Small craft warnings were in operation from Met Éireann on the opening day of the season.

In response to the weather conditions and in line with Loughs Agency’s own risk assessments, the decision was taken for no Agency patrol vessels to go to sea that day.

In today’s Derry News, Derry City manager Kenny Shiels has contributed a letter to the parents and coaches of the city.

The Derry City boss wishes to bring some clarity to the city, particularly in light of the recent league game played against Dundalk at Oriel Park just two weeks ago in which the newly crowned league champions had twice as many Derry born players as their home town team.

Shiels has written this letter to the clubs’ fans and the parents of young footballers in the city as he feels this is now the opportunity to let the people of the city know why this is the case and the reasons for this discrepancy.

To the youth players, parents and coaches of the city,

When I came to the club in 2016, the transition was just about to start. Young players from the city, in the past, played for their boys’ club, up until they turned 17. After that the best young players in the city would be elected to play for Derry City, their parent club.

This meant that there was no collision. The boys played for their clubs and when they got to a certain age there was no youth football for them, o the best young players would automatically advance to Derry City U19s. There was no clash and the youth teams in the city had no conflict with Derry City’s U19s.

The situation has changed now however with the League of Ireland introducing U17, U15 and U13 teams. This has proved to have a massive impact as the best young players in Derry are now being held back by their clubs so that they can compete and have a better chance to win trophies. They want to keep their best players and are therefore unwilling to let them go to Derry City. The best young players have been invited in for trials with Derry City, however many clubs, not all of them, are not supportive of the players coming in.

Young players are being told not to go to Derry City, but instead to remain with their clubs who would get them a move across the water. Derry City, they are told, will only stand in your way.

I have to add at this point that not all clubs are holding their players back, but a significant amount are being told that they are better off staying at boys club football. Some clubs are not even informing the parents of these players that they have received an invitation for a trial with their parent club Derry City. I have to say I am very disappointed by that, as, to have a professional football club on your doorstep, what young lad would not want to put on the Candy Striped shirt?

We even have a situation where a select team called Derry Colts are thought to be a part of our club. This is definitely not the case. They play in our club colours but they have no affiliation with Derry City Football Club. I think it’s important that the parents of the city are aware of this.

My ambition has always been to have as many local players at the club as possible. The problem I that there are barriers being put in my way.

The reason for bringing Paddy McCourt into the club as Youth Officer is to get parents and children to understand the pathways that are being created for all young players in the city. We can provide so many opportunities for young players in the city to play professionally at their local club.

To go straight over to England and play for a club at 16 is becoming nearly impossible. The best players in the city have gone across much later, and much more mature. I barely need to mention the names who have played for Derry City and gone on to great success in England or in Scotland. Everyone knows how successful the club has been in getting young local players across.

Parents should be informed that we want to give all young players the best opportunities in the North West. If you look at recent history, it will tell you that playing for Derry City provides a shop window of opportunity for our young players.

I would encourage and invite local coaches, parents and players to give their sons the best possible opportunity to forge a career in the game, and there is no better platform for that than with their home town club.

My door is always open to any parent who wishes to speak to me on any matter regarding their son’s football education.

Yours in sport,

Kenny Shiels

For the full length letter, see today's Derry News.

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