James McClean suffered further racist abuse from Millwall fans at the weekend

The Creggan born Republic of Ireland player does not wear a poppy on his shirt for games scheduled around Remembrance Day.

The 30-year-old has refused endless abuse for not wearing the poppy over Bloody Sunday in 1972 when British soldiers shot dead 14 unarmed civilian protesters.

Barnsley were charged by the Football Association on 3 January for alleged sectarian chanting against McClean.

“James McClean was once again subjected to disgraceful anti-Irish and sectarian abuse this weekend,” said Kick It Out after the weekend’s goalless draw.

“We have informed the FA so they can investigate but we reiterate – the abuse he continues to receives is absolutely unacceptable and shames our game.

“Greater action must be taken by the authorities to safeguard his and his family’s wellbeing, because the current situation cannot continue.”

Championship side Stoke last week released a statement of support for McClean, who joined the club in July 2018.

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) also issued a statement at the start of January.

It has responded to the latest incident by stating: “There is no justification for this or any other type of abuse and the PFA stands fully beside every player who faces discrimination.”

Stoke City boss Michael O’Neill also condemned the abuse hurled at James at the recent Barnsley fixture in the Championship.

John

Josh Daniels and his niece who was saved from Buncrana pier tragedy. PIC BY DONAL DUNN

The Derry man, who was just 19 at the time of the tragic accident, lost his mother Ruth Daniels (57), sister Jodie Lee (14), nephews Mark (12) and Evan (8) McGrotty, and their father Sean (46), when their SUV sank after sliding off a slipway at Buncrana in March 2016.

The only survivor was Mr Daniels’ four-month-old god-daughter Rionaghac-Ann.

Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle Nr Daniels looked back on the night of the tragedy and explained that he had returned home from Letterkenny after playing a reserve game for his old fornmer Derry City.

“We were watching the TV in her house and we just seen that the media was putting up that there was an accident,” said the 23-year-old.

“My sister rang me about five minutes after I started making conclusions of sorts.

“My sister was in Liverpool and she hadn’t a clue. It was just a wee bit weird that she rang me and said ‘there’s something wrong’.

“I went home and rang the police myself and gave all the details.”

Knowing that his family was involved in the tragedy that occurred in Buncrana, Mr Daniels said he went into “survivor mode” to make sure his god-daughter was safe.

He admitted that he has used the unimaginable loss as a tool to move forward with his life and the father-of-one is due to get married this year.

“I wouldn’t say it’s got easier and it never will,” he continued. “Time will tell but they’re in my thoughts everyday and I use it positively.”

Praising football and his home town club Derry City as one of the main reasons he got through his grief, Mr Daniels added that it kept “his head down” and allowed him to focus on something other than the tragedy.

After signing for the Lurgan Blues in August 2017, the talented footballer’s performances have attracted interested from clubs on both sides of the border and across the water.

The victims were, from left, Mark McGrotty, 12, and Evan McGrotty, 8, Sean McGrotty, 49, Ruth Daniels, 57, and Jodie Lee Daniels, 14

“I went there [Glenavon] to play minutes and getting out of the public eye here [Derry] helped at that time but even if that [the Buncrana pier tragedy] didn’t happen I probably would have made the same move,” he stated.

“Stepping away from my home town and going away and playing [helped me mature]. I’ve a family, I’ve a daughter, I’m going to get married.

“I think I’ve matured massively and maybe not by my own doing but it had to be done.”

As he looks forward to the future, the Irish League player hopes that hopesthe next step in his career will see him achieve his dream of playing full-time football.

John

SHAUN Doherty is set to make a temporary switch from Finn Harps to Institute.

Doherty played as a trialist for ‘Stute in the Billy Kee Memorial Cup tonight against Derry City at the Brandywell.

Picture: Shaun Doherty in action for Institute. Picture by Joe Boland, North West News Pix

Doherty joined Harps from Inishowen League side Greencastle United last summer, but has not managed to nail down a spot in Ollie Horgan’s first team.

The midfielder is now expected to make a loan move to ‘Stute.

Derry won tonight’s gam 3-2 with Doherty joining his former Greencastle team-mate James Henry in the starting line-up.

Henry has signed for Sean Connor’s team from Greencastle, while Cockhill Celtic defender Peter Doherty has joined the Irish League outfit.

Liam Walsh is also lining out for ‘Stute having moved from Harps last week.

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

Athletes invited to hear from industry experts at NW Sporting Pathways seminars at the Foyle Arena

The programme, delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council and the Donegal Sports Partnership and funded by the North West Regional Development Group in conjunction with the Executive Office and the Irish Government, aims to fortify the pathway for athletes from grassroots participation to elite level competition.

The three ‘Raise Your Performance’ seminars will take place on Saturday mornings in the Foyle Arena in Derry and Letterkenny IT and will be addressed by world level sports stars including hockey international Megan Frazer and European Cup winning rugby player Gary Longwell as well as experts in strength and conditioning, sports psychology and nutrition.

Sports Development Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Keith Thompson, said the seminars were an ideal opportunity for athletes from all disciplines to learn more about how they can take their performance to the next level.

“Athletes from all sports are invited to attend these seminars to learn more about how they can raise their performance levels by making informed changes to their training and game day regimes,” he said.

“We are delighted to be hosting industry experts with a vast experience of elite level sport who will impart their knowledge on a wide range of topics including strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition, mental health, anti-doping, core stability and recovery.

“Given the high standard of speakers, demand for places at the seminars is expected to be high and you can secure your free place now on the Derry and Strabane Council website.”

The North West Sports Pathways programme aims to drive the development of the local coaching workforce, increasing participation rates in grassroots sport and the creation of North West regional talent squads to support the development of local emerging talented athletes.

The focus of the project is the delivery of coach education and training opportunities, club based coaching, regional talent squads, sports camps and celebration / recognition events delivered across the Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council areas.

The seminars will take place from 9.30am – 12.30pm on Saturday mornings and admission is free.

The full list of seminars and speakers is: Seminar 1, Saturday February 22nd, Foyle Arena: Willie Moore (Strength and Conditioning), Megan Fazer (Motivational Speaker), Gary Longwell (Sports Psychology), Sharon Madigan (Sports Nutrition). Seminar 2, Saturday April 4th, Letterkenny IT: Shannon Lynch and Ciara McLaughlin (Mental Health and Wellbeing), Paul Fisher (Strength and Conditioning), Nollaig MacCarthy (Sports Psychology), Ronan Doherty (Sports Nutrition). Seminar 3, Saturday June 13th 2020, Foyle Arena: Wendy Henderson (Anti-Doping), Gary Wallace (Recovery), Kevin Gallagher (Core Stability), Gary Worgan (Sports Psychology)

For more information on the Sports Pathways Programme and registration information for the Raise Your Performance Seminars visit derrystrabaneleisure.com/nwsp

John

MFC Sports Managing Director Sean O’Neill has praised the ‘invaluable’ Business Boost programme for helping them reach the next level.

MFC (Made for Champions) specialises in making premium quality and high design sportswear for clubs and organisations across Ireland and throughout the world.

They took part in the Derry City and Strabane District Council run programme between August and September 2018.

Business Boost is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme 2014-2020, with the aim of providing specialist business support to micro and small enterprises within the Council area.

MFC used their Business Boost opportunity to apply for a Special Financial Assistance (SFA) grant to Invest NI and, as a result, received £30,000 to support the creation of six new jobs covering customer service, order management, logistics and despatch.

The Derry based company also received a £7,200 grant supporting market development initiatives, including a website upgrade.

After opting to leave his job as a primary school teacher, former Tyrone GAA county player Sean started the company with close friend and Dromore GAA team-mate Fabian O’Neill in 2016.

“In 2011 I was studying to be a teacher and recognised that clubs loved merchandise like branded mugs for their events and members.

“I created a brand called Mugs for Clubs and used my mum’s kitchen to add the finishing touches – it got me through university really,” he explained.

“Mugs for Clubs led me to investigate the market for quality sportswear and I soon recognised the demand for highly designed quality team and leisurewear. This eventually saw the birth of MFC Sports.”

In a competitive market, Sean explained that the company knew that with the right support they would be able to grow – and that was where the Business Boost programme came in.

“The Business Boost experience has been invaluable for us,” he admitted. “We were lucky enough to be assisted by Peter Kelly who brought senior level business knowledge and experience to MFC Sports, as well as an amazing network of contacts.

“He brought massive added value across all areas of the business to the extent that he is now involved with us at a senior level and is Chairman of our Executive Team.

“Of course a very successful business needs a good team and Business Boost gave us the chance to strengthen and restructure our management team and to bring in new staff in key business areas.”

MFC began from an office on Spencer Road, but have recently moved into much larger premises in Glendermott Business Park, with plans to open a second office in Omagh.

For Sean, staying local has always been part of the plan.

“When I think of Derry I immediately picture a vibrant city with hard-working and passionate people who love their sport.

“Naturally we always have one eye on how we can expand the business geographically, but at the minute Derry is serving us well and it is great to be local,” he stated.

“There’s more going on in the city than people realise, and everyone has been hugely supportive of us, for which we are very grateful.

“Dromore is my home and always will be, but I’m delighted to be set up in Derry. It’s a fantastic base from which to grow our business locally, nationally and internationally.”

Since starting the Business Boost programme 16 months ago, MFC have seen benefits in every area, including a full management restructure, establishment of an annual business planning and review process, as well as the appointment of three full-time sales managers, including Tyrone GAA legend Joe McMahon, who will be working with schools throughout Ireland.

They have recently carried out a full rebranding exercise, set up a new website complete with E-commerce, and developed a vibrant and exciting new range of sports designer wear. Crucially, they have also increased turnover since the end of year one by 1200% in only three years.

Sean is hopeful that MFC’s success will only continue to grow in the years to come.

“Sport is massive around the world. We continue to focus on the highest levels of design and quality matched with an incredible level of customer service,” he said.

“We see our clubs and sporting organisations as partners, not customers. We will offer them the best and sharpest gear on the planet and offer customer service at the next level. We love what we do.”

For more information on the Business Boost programme, visit https://www.derrystrabane.com/businessboost

John

DERRY City FC have confirmed that Danny Lupano and Moussa Bakayoko have joined the club ahead of the start of the 2020 season.

Moussa Bakayoko has been training with the club for a number of weeks and featured in the pre-season games against Finn Harps and Institute switching between the wings and an attacking midfield role.

The 23-year-old signs a 1-year deal and started his career with US des Clubs de Grand-Bassam (USCB) in the Ivory Coast, before moving to Morocco and signing for Raja Casablanca.

After 2 years with the Morrocan side, the youngster was on the move to Armenia where he signed for FC Shirak. Bakayoko appeared over 70 times for the Armenian side, helping them to secure a Europa League place in the 2017/18 season.

Danny Lupano joins on a 6-month loan deal from Hull City, where he has been part of the Tigers U-23 development squad.

The 19-year-old Belgian plays at centre back and will add competition for Ally Gilchrist and Eoin Toal in this position.

The youngster joined Hull from Birmingham in the summer of 2019 and has been a regular feature of their development side.

City boss, Declan Devine, spoke after the recent friendlies about his desire to add further competition to the centre of his defence.

“We know we need a bit of competition in the squad, especially in the middle of our back four.

“Eoin (Toal) and Ally (Gilchrist) have been absolutely great for us last season but it’s a new season and we need competition to drive it on.

“And we have a couple of options in the pipeline. Competition is healthy.”

The Candystripes are due to kick off their 2020 season away to champions Dundalk on February 14th.

And its first home game will be the following Friday as Finn Harps come to the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium for the North West derby clash.

John

THIS year’s Walled City 2020 marathon has been cancelled.

Organsiers say the decision was taken by “factors outside its control”.

In a statement on its Facebook page, organisers say: “It is with regret that the organisers of the Walled City Marathon have taken the decision to cancel this year’s marathon event, originally scheduled for 31st May 2020.

“The race has been cancelled due to a number of factors outside the control of the race organisers.

“We would like to thank all supporters of the Walled City Marathon and hope that they will continue to support the event next year.

“All entrants will be provided with a full refund within the next 14 days.

“We are encouraged by the continued growth of the 10-miler which sold out in record time this year and we look forward to further building on that event whilst working to prepare for the marathon again in 2021.

“We want thank you again for your continued support and look forward to welcoming you all at the start line next year.

“We will be releasing a further statement early next week.”

John

Ex Derry City captain Barry McNamee poised to join North West rivals Finn Harps

With the 2020 season just around the corner, it is believed that Harps are close to securing the services of the Ramelton man.

Owing to a family bereavement, there will be no announcement over the coming days.

However, it is understood that talks are at advanced stages regarding a move for the 27-year-old – one that would be seen as a massive coup for Harps boss Ollie Horgan.

Some at Finn Park at been resigned to missing out on McNamee, but further talks advanced the possibilities again.

McNamee has been mulling over several offers since parting ways with Derry.

The player has been a free agent since his contract at the Brandywell expired in November.

McNamee played almost 200 times in two spells at Derry while he spent 2018 at Cork City.

Harps survived in the Premier Division via a play-off win over Drogheda in November and Horgan has been eager for a blue-chip signing as he aims to push the Donegal club’s ambitions.

While a number of clubs, particularly Irish League champions Cliftonville, have been keen on McNamee, Harps’ proximity and their part-time status are said to be real plusses.

McNamee will only turn 28 later this month and Harps have pulled out the stops to get their man.

His brother Tony is already on the books at Finn Park.

Derry City face Finn Harps at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday, February 21, 2020.

Kick off is 7.45 pm.

John

The hate mail letter sent to James McClean

The Irish News today reports that the letter, sent on the 48th anniversary of the 1972 killings, compared Bloody Sunday to a football match with the result “Army 13 v IRA 0”.

The writer also made reference to loyalist killer Michael Stone, describing him as a hero.

Published on the Creggan-born footballer’s Instagram social media account, the letter writer added: “Bloody good laugh, happy anniversary, Enjoy the day, fenian McClean.”

The letter echoed offensive graffiti in some loyalist areas in the days after Bloody Sunday about the 13 young men shot dead in January 1972.

In his report following an extensive inquiry, Lord Saville concluded that all those killed and injured were shot without reason and were innocent of any wrongdoing.

Mr McClean responded on Instagram with the comment: “No name, false address, he’s so brave. Rent free in these morons’ heads.”

The Stoke City player has frequently been targeted with abuse over his refusal to wear a poppy on Armistice Day.

James McClean subjected to racial abuse at Huddersfield on New Year’s Day

James has been the subject of ongoing abuse at grounds in the Championship where he plays his football with Stoke City.

The anti-racist campaign ‘Kick It Out’ has called on football chiefs to do more to stamp out the racist chanting directed at James on an almost weekly basis.

John

James McClean a doubt for Euro 2020 qualifier over knee injury

The Republic take on Slovakia in the play-off in Bratislava on March 26.

The winner will face Northern Ireland or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final.

McClean has been a key player for the Republic in recent years and his absence would be a major blow for boss Mick McCarthy.

The 30-year-old was substituted during the home defeat which sees Stoke remain 21st in the Championship.

“Stoke City can confirm that James McClean is facing several weeks on the sidelines and that Thibaud Verlinden will miss the remainder of the campaign after they both sustained injuries in last night’s defeat by Preston,” the club said.

“James has a medial ligament knee injury, whilst Verlinden – who had to be withdrawn from the action just five minutes after joining the action as a substitute – has an ACL knee ligament injury.

“We wish both players a speedy recovery.”

John

THE SSE Airtricity League of Ireland kicks off tonight as Derry City go on their travels to face champions Dundalk.

This will be manager Declan Devine’s second season in charge of the Candystripes and in some aspects his pre-season was similar to the challenge he faced under a year-and-a-half ago.

Several players left the Brandywell before Devine took up the reins and wholesale changes needed to be made.

The former goalkeeper began to rebuild the squad and he and his backroom team have been working hard behind the scenes in the off-season to bolster the squad and replace those who have left.

Last-year’s captain Barry McNamee has moved across the north-west to rivals Finn Harps and his experience in midfield has needed replacing.

Conor McCormack has been brought in from Cork City and he will wear the captain’s armband for the forthcoming season.

Devine spoke publicly in the week and labelled McCormack a ‘born winner’.

McCormack will add creativity to the centre of midfield and fill the void left by McNamee alongside Conor Clifford who has moved north from St. Patrick’s Athletic.

The two paired well against Bray in pre-season and in company with Ciaron Harkin they could prove a tireless trio at the heart of the team.

The loss of Greg Sloggett to Dundalk will have been felt but Colm Horgan has moved to Derry from Cork and with Jamie McDonagh, Gerardo Bruna and Jack Malone still in the ranks, Devine will be pleased with the quality at his disposal.

Moussa Bakayoko has signed a one-year contract and enters the fray as an unknown quantity. The Ivory Coast native was most recently with Armenian side FC Shirak and he will provide depth to the midfield.

New Derry City captain Conor McCormack

Devine stated when speaking on the Between The Stripes LOI podcast that Hull manager Grant McCann holds the youngster in high regard.

The versatile duo of Darren Cole and Ciaran Coll have also stuck around for this season and their experience could prove crucial when bedding in the youth of Lupano.

When the backroom staff sat down to assess their squad at the start of pre-season perhaps the most obvious area to strengthen was in attack with two glaring absentees being David Parkhouse and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe.

The two combined to score 45% of Derry’s goals last year. Parkhouse has moved to Stevenage on loan from parent club Sheffield United and he found the net 11 times last season while Junior topped the scoring charts with 14 goals.

To counter that loss Walter Figueira has signed from Waterford and impressed in the Billy Kee memorial cup game bagging a brilliant brace.

Republic of Ireland U21 international Stephen Mallon has joined on loan from Sheffield United and his versatility will help atone for the loss of Junior.

Adam Liddle has come in from Reading this week after scoring six goals in 13 games for their U23’s in Premier League 2.

The striker impressed on trial with his endeavour and work-rate which will be missed in the absence of Parky who pressed from the front.

The acquisition of Tim Nilsen has piqued the interest of the fanbase as the Norwegian comes in to the league as a relative unknown.

The forward finished up last October with third-division Norway side Fredrikstad FK.

He scored 15 goals in 24 games last season but his new manager admitted that he may need time to adapt after a short pre-season on Foyleside.

Devine insists that quality has been replaced with quality ahead of the new season and with many wondering if Derry can push further up the table after qualifying for Europe last season it guarantees to be another exciting season.

The manager has set a goal to take points from one of the big three (Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians) this season after failing to do so in 2019.

His side will have a chance on the opening night versus Dundalk and going by last season’s meetings it’s hard to write Derry off.

Tonight’s match at Orial Park kicks of at 7.45 pm.

John

Jamie McDonagh came close for Derry City against Dundalk on Friday night

Dane Massey marked his 200th league start for Dundalk with the winning goal as the champions finally broke Derry City’s resolve and resilience at Oriel Park.

The 31-year-old volleyed home from Jordan Flores’ corner to give Vinny Perth’s side their first opening-day win since beating Shamrock Rovers in 2017.

Few could argue that the title holders deserved the breakthrough after penning the visitors into their half for long periods of the game.

Having had three penalty appeals turned down and been thwarted by both the woodwork and their former goalkeeper Peter Cherrie, Dundalk showed just why they are title favourites once again by coming up with another trademark late winner to leave Derry’s winless run at Oriel Park at 14 matches, stretching back to when they won 3-1 back in April 2013.

The visitors started on the front foot with Lilywhites centre-halves Andy Boyle and Daniel Cleary being called into action to block efforts from debutants Danny Lupano and Tim Nilsen.

Jamie McDonagh also tested Gary Rogers with a free kick before firing into the side-netting on 25 minutes.

The champions grew into the game more and more as the half progressed and should have taken the lead on 33 minutes when good work on the left by Derry native Michael Duffy saw him cross for Sean Gannon, who lost his footing at the crucial moment at the back post with a large portion of the goal gaping.

The Louth men went even closer two minutes later when Duffy’s corner picked out the unmarked Patrick Hoban only for his close-range header to spin up off the back of Nilsen and over the crossbar.

The Candystripes then had another let-off two minutes before the break when Daniel Cleary’s cross was flicked on by Hoban into the path of debutant Cammy Smith, who lifted the ball over Peter Cherrie only for Ciaran Coll to head off the line.

Dundalk continued to press on the restart with Daniel Kelly hitting the stanchion behind the goal on 48 minutes after Massey’s cross had been headed clear to him on the edge of the box by Ally Gilchrist.

Kelly then went even closer three minutes later when he rattled the crossbar with a fierce left-footed shot after another header clear fell to him just outside the box.

Declan Devine’s side then almost took the lead against the run of play on 54 minutes when McDonagh picked out the unmarked Nilsen at the back post but Rogers did well to keep it out at the second attempt.

Loyal Derry City fans made the journey down to Oriel Park on Friday night

After Duffy had gone close on a couple of further occasions, the breakthrough finally arrived on 79 minutes when Massey swept home Flores’ corner.

Derry should have levelled three minutes later, however, when Nilsen drilled a cross into the path of substitute Adam Liddle. But with the goal at his mercy, the on-loan Reading player could only send it back in the direction it came from.

There was an even later chance in the 95th minute when a free-kick broke to Nilsen but he failed to get any real purchase on it as Rogers smothered to save, Dundalk holding on to make a rare winning start – just their third since Perth arrived at the club alongside Stephen Kenny in 2013.

Derry City will he hoping to get a few points on the board next Friday, February 21, when they face North West rivals Finn Harps at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Dundalk: Rogers; Gannon, Cleary, Boyle; Massey; Shields, Sloggett (Flores 72); Kelly (Hoare 87), Smith (Patching 75), Duffy; Hoban.

Derry City: Cherrie; Lupano, Toal, Gilchrist, Coll; Clifford (Malone 63), Harkin (Mallon 83), McCormack; McDonagh, Nilsen, Figueira (Liddle 78).

Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin).

John

A fundraising night is coming up later this month for The Ryan McBride Foundation and the Cherrie Family.

It is being held on Saturday, February 29.

There will be a prize raffle.

And a number of Derry City FC players will be in attendance.

Admission to the event at the Ancient Order of Hiberians Club in Foyle Street is £5 which includes raffle ticket.

Among the prizes on offer are signed James McClean football boots and a signed Paddy McCourt jersey.

There are loads more prized and there will also be a special auction.

For more info or to donate, head to the link below:

https://buff.ly/38BCqSp

John

Harry Gregg who passed away in hospital on Monday

City Director Tony O’Doherty got to know Harry very well during his time at Coleraine and said the former International “had a heart of gold”.

“I was very fortunate to have trained at Coleraine as a teenager with three International goalkeepers- Victor Hunter, Iam McFaul and Harry.

“Harry didn’t leave you wondering what he was thinking but he was an incredibly kind human being.

“He would have fought lives aside with you at 4 o’clock and given you the shirt off his back at half past.

“The last time I saw him was at a Testimonial for Victor.

“He wasn’t keeping too well at that stage but he came up to the game, gave me money for the charity and headed on.

“He was a fantastic player and a genuine person who will be very sorely missed.”

RIP Harry.

John

Strabane Lifford half marathon taking place this May

The 13.1 mile cross border race returns on Sunday, May 17 and, with entries capped at 1,200, the race will sell out well before that date.

The event is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, in association with Lifford Strabane Athletics Club with support from the PSNI, the Garda, the PSNI and the Department for Infrastructure.

The event was formally launched by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle.

“Over the last seven years, the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon has firmly established itself as one of the best race day experiences in Ireland,” she said.

“It is a wonderful spectacle to see hundreds of people line the roads as over 1,000 runners weave their way around the course which has a spectacular finish on the running track at the Melvin Sports Complex.

“We have experienced a running boom in Strabane in recent years and it has been pleasing to see the Holy Cross Parkrun established over the last 12 months.

“The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon is a high level event on your doorstep so I would encourage all local runners to consider taking on the challenge by registering now.”

Jacqueline Whoriskey, Festival and Events Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, warned local runners that the event will sell out fast.

“The event is strictly capped at 1,200 runners so our advice is to seal your spot now because when the places are filled we can’t reopen registrations,” she explained.

“With a registration fee of just £23 it is one of the best value events on the local athletics calendar and that fee includes chipped timing for each competitor, a free event t shirt, finishers’ medal and goody bag.

“Many runners have completed or are preparing for 10 Mile events in Stranorlar, Derry and Ballyliffin so this event is the ideal next challenge in your running journey.”

All Half Marathon entrants must be 18 or over on the day of the race which starts at 9:30am on Sunday May 17th from Meeting House Street in Strabane and will finish at the Melvin Sports Complex running track.

Registrations for the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon are open now at www.derrystrabane.com/SLHM and will close on Sunday, May 3 or before that if the quota is reached.

John

DERRY City will be looking to put last week’s 1-0 defeat against Dundalk behind them as they face Finn Harps at the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium this evening (kick off 7.45 pm).

City went to the defending champions at Oriel Park last Friday night and frustrated them for nearly 80 minutes, before conceding from a set piece and losing a single goal.

Finn Harps had a good home win against Sligo in a pretty forgettable game, but Ollie Horgan knows how tight things could be at the bottom.

They were three crucial points, and it will send Harps east in confident mood as they seek to nullify City.

The Candystripes have no fresh concerns for the visit of Harps.

Finn Harps: Harps will be without Mark Timlin, who is out for the season with a cruciate injury.

Raf Cretaro is a doubt, loanee Adrian Delap can’t play against his home club.

Derry City manager Declan Devine said: “The derby game will take care of itself.

“They’re a brilliant bunch of lads and the secret is to make sure we don’t lose two games on the spin this year. 7

“It’s key in this league.

“It doesn’t matter who you are playing, you’ve got to make sure if you lose a game you get back on the horse and make sure you don’t lose the next one.”

Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan said: “We’ve been turned over very comfortably there the last few times.

“We have a new team, it’s a huge game for us early in the season while we’re trying to take on a new approach, so we’ll see if perhaps its come a bit soon.

“We know what they have, it’s just a matter if maybe we can dig in and deal with them.

“We’ll go there in hope rather than expectation and see how we go.”

John

History made at the weekend as first ever Northern Ireland Judo Adaptive Open held at Foyle Arena

Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational sports for people with disabilities where the individual needs of each player are catered for.

The NI Judo Federation, who are hosting all their major events in the Derry City and Strabane District Council facility this year, hope the event will be a springboard for further inclusive events.

“We wanted to get this right, not only for the players, but their families and coaches who made the effort to attend from far and wide,” said NIJF Chairman Bill Taggart.

“It seems we have done that so far as there were smiles, hugs and handshakes all around from the competitors, families and their coaches.

“I’d like to thank all the event organisers, officials, volunteers, coaches, the competitors and their families for their help and support in making our first event so memorable.

“The best part for me was people asking when they can come back,” he added.

Alongside the Adaptive Open, over 80 of the top Minors (8 years to 11 years old) in Northern Ireland Judo contested the Minor Championship.

Fierce competition took place as the younger Judoka vied to win the title of NI Champion and claim their place on the podium.

The next major fixture in the Foyle Arena is the Northern Ireland Open in April, where over 500 top competitors will take to the mat as they try to win ranking points, medals and qualification to further events.

The Foyle Arena includes an event space that can cater for 2,000 people.

Other facilities include a 25m swimming pool with a movable/ adjustable floor alongside a separate children’s pool and a new outdoor floodlit 3G synthetic five-a-side pitch.

The climbing area which is designed to cater for all levels from complete beginners to international competitors boasts an international standard 15m high competition climbing wall complemented by a technical bouldering section, the most advanced of its kind anywhere in Ireland.

To learn more out more about the Foyle Arena and what it has to offer, visit derrystrabaneleisure.com/foyle-arena

Or email info@foylearena.com or call 028 71 376 555.

To find your nearest Judo club, log on to www.nijudo.com

John

James McClean subjected to racial abuse at Barnsley last November

The incident happened in a Championship game between the sides on Saturday, November 9.

Barnsley admitted failing to ensure their fans behaved in an orderly fashion and refrained from using abusive language.

The abuse was aimed at McClean because he does not wear a poppy on his shirt for games around Remembrance Day over the murders of 14 unaarmed civilians on in Derry on Bloody Sunday in January 1972.

Barnsley will also have to pay the £2,250 costs associated with the Football Association’s Independent Regulatory Commission’s review.

“Barnsley Football Club has a zero tolerance policy on any form of discrimination and, as such, are immensely disappointed to have been found guilty of violating FA rulings,” a club statement read.

“The club will act upon the case findings and will continue to work closely with the Football Association and (anti-discrimination charity) Kick It Out.

“Anybody found to be involved in any form of discriminatory behaviour when representing Barnsley Football Club face a potential ban from attending matches.”

Creggan-born James reported that he had been “racially abused” to referee Jeremy Simpson in the 32nd minute of the game at Oakwell.

The referee told the fourth official, who informed coaching staff from both teams and also Barnsley’s stewards.

The investigation reviewed video footage of the match where a “significant number of individuals” could be heard chanting sectarian abuse.

It also criticised Barnsley for not doing more in advance of the game to mitigate the chances of abuse being directed at Republic of Ireland international McClean, who had been subject to similar instances in the past around Remembrance Day.

The written reasons of the case read: “The club did nothing in advance of the start of the match or (with the exception of deploying additional stewards to a part of the stadium after the 32nd minute of the match) during the match to address the known, increased risk that abusive and insulting language would be used by individuals within the crowd at the match, and was in fact being used by such individuals during the match.

“Doing nothing – as the club chose to do – to prevent or deter such behaviour was not an acceptable option.”

While the report praised Barnsley’s guilty plea, previous good record and the work they have done since the incident to mitigate anything similar happening again, the investigation was critical of a comment made by the club’s deputy safety officer Peter Clegg after the game.

The report says that, when informed at a post-match meeting of the chanting described by McClean, Mr Clegg stated: “He’s a professional footballer, he should be used to it by now” – something which was determined to be a “serious aggravating feature”.

Mr Clegg has been instructed to undertake an equality and diversity course by the external organisation who employs him, while Barnsley have acknowledged the “wholly inappropriate nature of those words”.

He has been warned about his future conduct and his employers have apologised to Barnsley.

He is still in his role at the club.

Barnsley were given a 15-point action plan to implement, including a review of steward training and planning, and a protocol for all stewards on how to report discriminatory, abusive or offensive chanting or behaviour within the stadium.

They have also been told to liaise with other clubs over best practise to prevent and detect discriminatory and abusive behaviour.

The club must also ensure there is more communication with fans to prevent abusive behaviour, set up a dedicated mobile phone number for fans to anonymously report any abuse they witness and “develop and deliver an appropriate diversity education programme in conjunction with Kick It Out through their work in the local community and schools”.

John

Neat foot work from Figueira and a super cross for Liddle to score equaliser for Derry City

Derry City 1 Finn Harps 1
By Chris McNulty at The Brandywell. Pictures by Joe Boland, North West Newspix

Ryan Connolly’s first-half goal gave Harps the edge and they looked set for a famous win until Liddle struck the dagger.

Liddle steered home after connecting to a Walter Figueira’s cross.

It is a goal that will haunt Ollie Horgan for some time given how the on-loan Reading striker was able to get on the end of the ball to finish.

It came right at the death – and just when Harps were dreaming of a first ever League victory at the Brandywell.

After the match, Candystripes manager Declan Devine said: “We got of jail. We didn’t play and the conditions weren’t great. But we played to the end and the players dug in.”

Harps were in front on 33 minutes.

A loose pass inside from Ciaran Coll, the former Harps captain, was picked up on by Connolly.

With Derry goalkeeper Peter Cherrie stranded, Connolly kept his composure to steer into the net.

Down the other end, ‘keeper Mark Anthony McGinley punched the air in front of the delirious Harps hoards in the Southend Stand.

Former Derry captain Barry McNamee was included for his first Harps start.

The Ramelton man made over 200 appearances across two spells with the Candystripes.
After leaving Derry at the end of the 2019 season, McNamee – after some careful consideration – plumped for Harps.

The inevitable whistles howled across the Foyleside air with McNamee’s every touch.
His coolness on the ball and willingness to get on it was a feature for Harps.

His brother Tony and ex-QPR youth Leo Donnellan also came in as Horgan showed three changes to the side that began last week’s win over Sligo Rovers.

Urged on by a big home support, Derry opened the brighter and McGinley had to be alert to save from Tim Nielsen after nine minutes.

Moments later, with McGinley off his line, Ciaron Harkin mixed ambitious with audacious but his attempt from half-way flew over.

Walter Figueira had a golden chance for City when Jamie McDonagh’s cross fell invitingly on the edge of the box.

Figueira, though, rose a shot over the bar when he’ll reflect that he ought to, at least, have tested McGinley.

Harkin saw a low effort smothered by McGinley before Connolly broke the deadlock.

Early in the second half, Jamie McDonagh whipped a dangerous ball across the Harps area that served as a real warning to the visitors.

Man of the Match Ryan Connolly scored opening goal for Finn Harps

Cherrie reached across to turn away as O’Sullivan – Harps’ match winner last week against Sligo Rovers – aimed to bend into the top corner.

Harps had a real let off when Conor Clifford fired off the bar 11 minutes into part two.

Stephen Mallon, on as a sub for the hosts, was denied by Shane McEleney’s brave block.

The whack ended McEleney’s involvement with Horgan frustrated at the delay in being allowed introduce Mark Coyle as a replacement.

Harps survived a couple of penalty claims while fraying tempers saw assistants Paul Hegarty and Kevin Deery booked.

Derry laid siege and, just when Harps looked to have repelled the onslaught, Liddle tore up the fairytale.

Derry City: Peter Cherrie; Danny Lupano, Eoin Toal, Ally Gilchrist, Ciaran Coll; Ciaron Harkin (Jack Malone 72), Conor McCormack, Conor Clifford (Stephen Mallon 65), Walter Figueira; Jamie McDonagh, Tim Nielsen (Adam Liddle 77)

Finn Harps: Mark Anthony McGinley; Shane McEleney (Mark Coyle 73), Kosovar Sadiki, Sam Todd; Leo Donnellan (Gareth Harkin 63); Dave Webster, Ryan Connolly (Stephen Doherty 86), Tony McNamee, Mark Russell; Barry McNamee; Karl O’Sullivan.

Referee Rob Hennessy.

John

Derry City drew 1-1 with Finn Harps at Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. Pix by Joe Boland/Northwest Newspix

A defeat at Dundalk and a 1-1 draw with Finn Harps leaves Declan Devine’s men searching for their first win of the new season.

But the Derry boss insists that confidence is high in the camp.

After Friday night’s game Devine said the Candystripes “got out of jail” with an injury time winner from Adam Liddle during “horrendous” weather conditions at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

“Conditions were horrendous, especially in the second half on Friday night, making it really difficult to play with any tempo,”said Devine.

“We’ve looked at the game, taken the positives and moved on – there’s certainly no panic.

“We have very good players at this club and there will be competition for places all season long. ”

“The lads who came off the bench at the weekend did really well and while we have no injury concerns, given the quick turn around I would expect changes against St Pats.”

Derry produced one of their best displays of the season in the corresponding fixture last season before losing twice to the Dublin side after that.

New manager Stephen O’Donnell has made plenty of personnel changes since then and Devine is aware of the threat they possess.

“Stephen has come in and is stamping his own authority there,” said Devine.

“We know they’ll be a tough nut to crack but we can only focus on ourselves.”

“We totally believe in this group of players so we will go there with the utmost respect for St Pat’s but with our sights set on three points as we do in every game.”

John