THE STORMONT Executive is set to discuss the potential reopening of golf courses in the North of Ireland this week.

Courses in the Republic will reopen on a restricted basis from Monday, May 18, after Leo Varadkar’s announcement that “some outdoor sporting activities will be allowed” from that date.

The Golfing Union of Ireland’s UIster branch shut golf clubs in the North of Ireland in March to adhere to social distancing.

It is hoped that golf clubs here will reopen by Monday May 18.

The first phase of the reopening will be for members only and will see strict social distancing measures in place.

Flag sticks and bunker rakes will be removed while groups will be limited to two players teeing off in 15-minute intervals.

On Friday, Varadkar outlined the first phase of the Irish Government’s plan for partially relaxing Covid-19 restrictions later this month.

In response, Irish golf’s governing bodies said they had been “engaging intensively” with the government regarding the return of sport on a limited basis.

“To that end, golf’s governing bodies have prepared a comprehensive draft protocol on the safe resumption of play on which we have been engaging with the Government over recent weeks,” said a statement on Friday evening.

“We now intend to finalise this protocol in the coming week, in consultation with the government, and issue clear advice to our member clubs well in advance of the reopening of courses on 18 May.

“That advice will emphasise the absolute necessity of golf clubs adhering to the terms of the protocol for safe play.”

John

Darren Cole with his partner Orlaith and their baby daughter Cría

At the start of the 2019 season the Scottish defender wasn’t sure where his future at club level lay.

But Derry City’s new boss Declan Devine convinced him that he still had a major role at the Brandywell.

Cole’s versatility saw him deployed across the back four at various stages last season including an impressive spell at right back just when his manager needed it.

Disaster struck at the end of August however with a ruptured ACL sustained in training as City prepared to take on Waterford at the RSC.

With his contract due to expire in November, Darren’s future again looked uncertain, however the City management stood by their player.

At the end of last month, partner Orlaith gave birth to daughter Cría and despite the Coronavirus situation putting a dampener on sport, things are once again looking up.

The 28-year old says that there’s now a new focus in his life and he’s working hard to give himself the best chance of being ready when football returns to the League of Ireland.

He told Derry City FC website: “It’s been exciting times since the wee one, Cría, has arrived.

2All the other boys with kids on the team kept telling me it was the most amazing feeling to be a dad and it really is.

“She’s a wee bundle of joy and although barely anyone has seen her with all of this madness, it’s been nice spending time at home just the three of us. She’s no bother at all just like her da!”

“The club have been great with me through the lockdown. They provided me with a spin bike, weights and other items to keep my fitness and strength levels up and to be able to continue the programme Mickey (Hegarty) provided.

“I have been able to keep my day well structured, which is good. In between nappy changing and bottle feeds I do an online spin class on YouTube as well as the programme for my knee.

“Mickey has been top class; he’s been in touch almost every day checking up on the progress of my knee and keeping me right.

“The injury is getting much better now and I just need the go ahead from Mickey when he thinks it’s right for me to run again. I had a check up during lockdown and everyone is happy with how it’s healed and progressing, which is good.

“I just have to see how the knee feels when I do start running on it but I’m staying positive that I’m on track.

“I cannot wait to get back on the pitch. I know the rest of the boys have been itching to get back since the league was postponed but it’s been a much longer wait for me.

“For the last eight months I’ve been doing everything exactly as instructed so that I can get back playing as soon as I can.

Darren Cole in action for Derry City

“I’ve always loved playing for Derry and indeed living here but I want us to succeed more than ever now.

“I want the people here to have something to celebrate and I want to make my daughter proud.”

We wish Darren and Orlaith all the best in their lives with their new daughter Cria.

John

GOLFERS across Derry will be waiting with baited breath to hear next week when they can get back on the course again with social distancing in place.

Ahead of such an announcement, City of Derry Golf Club green staff are working tirelessly to get the course at Prehen into shape for all the members.

A COD COD Golf Club spokesperson said: “As a token of the club’s appreciation, a local golf clothing company “Funktion Golf” have provided the Head Green Keeper Conor McLaughlin and his staff Charlie, Pat and Ronan (absent from photo) with Funktion Fleeces.

“When the members return they will find the course in tip top condition.”

John

Derry City boss Declan Devine

The league was suspended in March after five games amid the Covid-19 outbreak and the FAI plans a return on Monday, July 20.

But the FAI has not said how that will take place.

Devine has suggested three new regional divisions with six teams in the north-west including Finn Harps.

“It’s is a real possibility – it is something we should look at,” he said.

Devine told BBC Radio Foyle that a north-west division, behind closed doors, could also comprise Sligo Rovers and Dundalk along with two First Division teams, with Galway and Drogheda possibilities.

“Have a round-robin tournament with the top two going into play-offs for any type of potential awards or trophies at the end of the season,” he added.

“Travel is going to be a huge issue, I know they said about getting two buses but is that really feasible for Derry City and Cork – to get two buses to go to Cork and you might have to look for a hotel when they are not open at this time.

“I think we are at that time where anything is possible. We can’t underestimate the importance of the First Division clubs – there’s a lot of part-time players and their health is as important as professional players.

“As an incentive to potentially split whatever type of revenue from streaming games.

“We have to look at the First Division sides as well as they are as important as those clubs in the Premier Division.

“It’s such a crazy time for us all.

“What we have to try to ensure is that every football club in Ireland survives this pandemic – that when its over, all the clubs whether amateur, part-time or professional, we’ve got to make sure they all survive.

“There’s an onus on everyone to come together and see what’s best for football and what’s best for sport in Ireland.”

Niall Quinn, interim deputy CEO of the FAI, has floated the idea of using one neutral venue, believed to be the Aviva Stadium, for all Premier Division matches.

Devine supports another suggestion from the former Republic of Ireland striker if domestic football does not return before August – for the four teams which have qualified for Europe, including Derry, to take part in a mini-tournament to prepare them for competitive football.

“It’s obviously four top sides, four big clubs – everybody’s got the same needs, we are all working to prepare for what is a huge financial package in terms of trying to get through a round or two in Europe,” he said.

“It’s always going to be our type of target this year to go through a round in Europe – if that does materialise and we were given high level games in a proper, safe environment in the Aviva I would certainly welcome it and so everyone at the club would as well, especially the players.”

John

Derry-born Republic of Ireland international footballer Shane Duffy has paid heartfelt tribute to his ”hero’ father Brian who has sadly died aged 53.

Mr Duffy is understood to have passed away at his home.

Originally from Ard O’Donnell in Letterkenny, the 53-year-old was well known in football circles and was a regular at Republic of Ireland matches home and away.

Posting on Instagram, Brighton & Hove Albion defender Shane described his father as his hero.

“You weren’t just my dad, you were my hero, my idol,” he said in his tribute.

“I’ll miss ringing u after the match and you telling me how sh**e I was.

“Daddy I love you and miss you.

“Look after us all now.

“Every time I put that green shirt on for our country I’ll be thinking about you because I know how proud you were of me playing for Ireland.

“Love you and miss you.”

The FAI today expressed condolences to Shane his family following their sudden loss.

A dedicated supporter of the Ireland team, who travelled all over the world to watch Shane play and always mixed in with Irish fans, Donegal native and Derry resident Brian was incredibly proud of his son’s achievements as a player.

Shane first represented Ireland at Under-19 level before becoming the country’s second most-capped Under-21’s player and then making his senior debut in 2014 and captaining the team against Denmark in November 2019. Brian was part of that journey all of the way.

Senior Ireland team boss Stephen Kenny said: “Our thoughts are with Shane and his family at this very sad time. Brian was very proud of his son, a proud football fan and a huge supporter of the Foyle Harps club in Derry where Shane played his underage football alongside Patrick McEleney and where Paddy McCourt learned the game.

“My own son Eoin played for Harps up to two years ago and I know just how central to the Galliagh community the club is. Brian’s loss will be felt by everyone at Foyle Harps and in Galliagh but none of us can comprehend what Shane and his family are going through now. We can only offer our support and sympathies.”

FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn said: “To lose a father at any time is heartbreaking but to lose Brian at just 53 years of age is such a tragedy for Shane and his family. We can only imagine the pain they are going through now and I am sure I speak for everyone involved with Irish football when I offer our sympathies to Shane and the Duffy family in Derry and in Donegal.”

President of the FAI, Gerry McAnaney added: “On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I offer our condolences to Shane and his family on the loss of Brian at such a young age. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shane, his mum Siobhan, brother Tony, daughter Nicola and the extended Duffy family. May Brian Rest in Peace.”

John

RESTRICTIONS on angling are to be eased from Monday, May 18.

Recreational fishing will be allowed in designated areas as long as social distancing of two metres is observed.

Agriculture and environment minister Edwin Poots has confirmed that the Public Angling Estate (PAE) will gradually reopen to local anglers from Monday, May 18 as part of the easing of Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

There are 30 PAEs across the North of Ireland but anglers have been encouraged to use facilities local to them and not to travel long distances.

Parking facilities will also remain closed until May 27.

Glenowen Fisheries, which is based within Creggan Country Park, will be among the local facilities to re-open next.

Anyone who wants to go angling on Monday will have to pre-book and pre-pay.

Welcoming the reopening of fisheries, the chairman of the Ulster Angling Federation, Gary Houston, explained that the organisation had made representations to Mr Poots as to how they would safely reintroduce fishing.

“We are delighted that the Minister has stepped forward,” he said.

“We put a plan to him of how we would reopen angling safely under the present difficulties.

“We wouldn’t be asking for it to be reopened if we didn’t think it would be safe. Angling is usually a solitary sport anyway so people aren’t really together.

“We will be putting out guidance to clubs and individual anglers telling them to carry hand sanitiser just like you would be if you’re going into a shop.”

John

Staff at City of Derry golf club have been out over the last few weeks getting the course ready for reopening

Last week, the five step plan to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic lockdown had indicated non-contact sports such as golf and tennis would be among the first sports to return as part of phase one.

Over the weekend, the Golfing Union of Ireland released its protocol for a return to action in the North of Ireland, with First Minister Arlene Foster urging all players to stick to those guidelines.

Included were stipulations that no club competitions take place and only members are allowed onto the course. There is no travel restriction in place.

Golfers should play in groups of no more than three players, although individual clubs can further limit those numbers.

And they can play with people from outside their own households providing social distancing is observed.

Players should, however, not travel to courses in the same vehicles as people from outside their own households, not arrive at clubs more than 15 minutes before their tee-time and leave the club immediately after their round is finished.

On course measures should be put in place such as the removal of rakes from bunkers and altered cups so that flagsticks do not need to be touched.

Signage should also be erected to remind players to observe social distancing practices at all times.

The GUI has also strongly recommended that juniors should only be permitted to play if accompanied by an adult.

In step two of the Executive plan, fourballs will be permitted, featuring members as well as their guests, while closed club competitions can also resume.

Team sports can return to training in small groups as part of step two, with larger training permitted in step three and competitive team sports returning in step four, albeit with limited supporters.

‘Close physical contact sports’ can only return in step five which may not be until July or August, depending on the rate of spread of Coronavirus in the coming weeks.

John

Stoke City midfielder James McClean ran four miles every four hours for two days. Pic by Erin McClean

The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland fitness freak took up a Navy Seals-inspired challenge – running four miles every four hours for 48 hours with very little rest or sleep – in memory of 29-year-old Thomas Burke, who died suddenly last month.

Mr Burke had coached Trojans under-fives and sixes teams in Derry.

And by donating £10 himself for every mile he ran, Creggan lad McClean has funded a new football kit for the club.

James explained on social media: “Half 6 pm Friday night I was going to give this challenge a go. Been training flat out like a madman pushing myself and testing myself since lockdown.

“To be honest I was starting to lack motivation doing basically same stuff each day with basically no end goal in sight, then I saw this and thought it would motivate me . . it has!

“I started out as just that motivation for me, nothing more and not going to lie it was tough, running alone just you and your thoughts, midnight runs, getting up at 4a.m. and again at 8am when your body is tired, legs are sore, midnight and 4a.m are f****g cold trust me.

“As it was getting tough. I thought you know what to be honest I was never quitting once I started, it’s not me but to make certain I said finish this and donate to a worthy cause, so I said I’ll donate £10 for every mile – 52 miles £520.

“I couldn’t think of a better stronger person at the minute than Bronagh Burke and her wains giving in the past five years what they had to endure.

Thomas and Bronagh Burke on their wedding day

James’ wife Erin captured McClean completing the gruelling challenge on Instagram.

She wrote: “He done it. 4 miles, every 4 hours for 48 hours!

“He has ran 52 miles in 2 days with very little rest and sleep. I dunno if he’s an inspiration or else just a complete madman.

“The most driven hard working man I know, and I am as always super proud of him.

“When he puts his mind to something, he will do it. I was gonna run out and do a big spectacle but I seen the man walking his dog so a high 5 will do.”

Big hearted James has a reputation for his charity work and donations, particularly in Derry, where he has been a particularly big supporter in helping the homeless.

Together with Joe Allen, James has also made a substantial donation to the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice in Stoke-on-Trent.

Well done James!

John

ONE lady golfer at City of Derry Golf Club was loving the “return to golf” on Wednesday as part of the Step 1 plan by the N Ireland executive.

Jennie Flanagan, a NHS worker and golfer for 22 years, shocked her playing partners Karen Jackson and Marie Clifford by getting her 1st ever “Hole in one ” at the 12th Par 3 hole known as ‘Billy’s’.

Still in shock she said: ”I hit my rescue club, saw the ball come off the left side of the green and roll towards the centre of the green.

“I expected to see it at the back of the green but low and behold it was in the hole.

“My 1st ever Hole in One!!”

Jennie was unable to celebrate with her fellow players but went straight home to celebrate with her family who are all avid golfers.

Well done Jennie!!

John

MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, has joined members of Strabane Cycling Club to mark the 10th Anniversary of the cross border club.

A socially distanced photo call was held to mark the landmark at the Tinnies roundabout site, near the border between the two towns, earlier this week.

Mayor Boyle praised the clubs committee for their work in promoting cycling in the town over the last ten years and wished them well for the future.

“Congratulations to everyone at Strabane Lifford Cycling Club on reaching this milestone,” she said.

“I have personally witnessed the club grow over the last decade with membership and participation in a wide range of cycling activities increasing year on year.

“The cross border and cross community aspect of the club is a major driver in their growth and the continued success and popularity of the sport locally.

“On behalf of the local cycling fraternity I would like to commend the club’s dedicated committee for their commitment to their sport and I wish them well for the future.”

Strabane Lifford Cycling Club was formed in 2010 by Strabane man Brendan Patton and has grown to cater for a wide range of cycling disciplines and abilities.

Among the categories the club has developed include racing, sportive, leisure, ladies and youth teams.

The Cycling club plan to mark its 10 Year Anniversary with a series of celebrations and events throughout 2020.

John

ALL of the coronavirus tests carried out on players and staff at Derry City and three other League of Ireland clubs have returned negative results.

The FAI carried out the tests on the Candystripes, Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians on Monday, May 25.

When releasing the results, the governing body said the players and staff from the same four clubs will be tested again next Monday.

The clubs are due to return to training on 8 June after the Covid-19 lockdown.

In a statement, Derry City FC said: “We are pleased that these test have returned as negative and trust that everyone will continue to adhere to all the guidelines, including social distancing, during the testing process ahead of what will hopefully be a return to training on June 8.”

Said FAI interim deputy CEO Niall Quinn: “This is most welcome news and a very positive step as we work with government, their agencies and all stakeholders in the game towards a safer return for all of Irish football.

“These negative results are an early boost for everyone in the game but it is only the start.

“We have to remain vigilant and we again urge all affiliates – clubs, players, supporters and parents – to abide by the government and HSE guidelines.”

Every person tested has been informed of their negative result.

The tests, carried out on the four Premier Division teams who have qualified for Europe, are part of the FAI’s pilot programme for the safe return of football.

Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians will take part in a pilot tournament that is planned for later this summer.

John

SDLP Social Justice Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has called for a tailored recovery package for the Sport Sector to mitigate the damage of COVID-19.

His comments follow evidence heard at this week’s Communities Committee from Chief Executive of Sport NI Antoinette McKeown.

She estimated £2 million additional funding was required to assist clubs in financial distress.

Said the Foyle MLA: “It is clear current financial support packages, while well intentioned and gratefully received, do not go far enough.

“And the support schemes afforded to the Sport Sector have not been without their flaws.

“Evidently, the £500,000 Emergency Fund was nowhere near enough to meet demand, closing just three days after its launch.

“This demand was not unforeseen and the anticipated additional funding from the Department never came to fruition.

“As a result, too many sporting clubs and organisations across the North have fallen through the cracks.

“This compounded by the inability to generate income through the usual channels, from competitions to fundraising campaigns, puts the future of our Sport Sector in real jeopardy.

“The sporting fraternity have been a lifeline in our communities throughout this crisis.

“It is important to note the role they have played and will continue to play as we emerge into the recovery period, in terms of helping people reintegrate into the new normal.

“The myriad of positive aspects sport brings not just to the North’s economy but to people’s physical and mental health, will be crucial in the weeks and months ahead.

“The Executive must now intervene to ensure the survival of our beloved sporting clubs and organisations.

“They need to work in conjunction with Sports NI to determine how much funding is required to address the immediate needs of some 4,000 clubs across the North as well as establishing a critical long-term recovery plan to save the Sport Sector from collapse.”

John

Derry City FC board not happy over FAI funding proposal

Talks between the governing body and clubs began on Thursday and the Derry board said it hoped to address the matter during further talks this week.

A club statement also said that the Premier Division is likely to restart in mid-August, with next month’s four-team tournament now not taking place.

“The FAI has recognised the need to provide financial support,” Derry said.

In the statement, the club said the board wanted to keep supporters informed of how the discussions between the FAI and the clubs in the Premier Division and First Division were progressing.

“This support is to compensate clubs for having to play games at designated stadiums and behind closed doors,” the statement continued.

“The Derry City board are not yet convinced that the proposed distribution is equitable.

“Derry City is one of only three clubs who have kept their staff and players on full salary.

“That effort and commitment has not been properly recognised in the proposed distribution of financial compensation.

“Negotiations will continue this coming week and the Derry board will continue to be constructive and supportive in the difficult circumstances that have arisen because of the pandemic.

“Hopefully, those efforts will be properly recognised in the continuing negotiations.

“We will fully inform our supporters when negotiations have concluded.”

The Candystripes and the other three League of Ireland teams to have qualified for Europe – Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians – were due to play in a four-team tournament in July.

That has been cancelled due to the pending restart of the league in mid-August.

Players and staff from all four clubs have undergone a series of COVID-19 tests, all of which have returned negative.

John

THE latest meeting between League of Ireland clubs and the FAI has been deferred until Wednesday.

Talks were set to continue on Monday afternoon with a view to thrashing out a deal, with officials in Abbotstown likely to put pressure on the clubs to come to a decision early this week.

However, with fears that clubs were unhappy with the financial package presented last week, and a number of uncertainties around how the league can function, the meeting has now been postponed for 48 hours.

It came as Derry City were set to tell the FAI that they want their commitment to paying players in full to be recognised with increased funding.

Derry are one of the small number of clubs who are still paying wages to players and staff.

Many clubs laid off their players as early as mid-March and they are considered to be the most vulnerable and in need of a bigger portion of the €1.7 million rescue package.

But Derry City argue that because they have stayed committed to paying wages for the last three months, they should receive a greater portion of the fund.

In a statement, City said: “The Derry City board are not yet convinced that the proposed distribution is equitable.

“Derry City is one of only three clubs who have kept their staff and players on full salary.

“That effort and commitment has not been properly recognised in the proposed distribution of financial compensation.

“Negotiations will continue this coming week and the Derry board will continue to be constructive and supportive in the difficult circumstances that have arisen because of the pandemic.

“Hopefully, those efforts will be properly recognised in the continuing negotiations.

“We will fully inform our supporters when negotiations have concluded.”

Derry’s sentiment sums up the complex nature of the talks and how difficult it will be to satisfy each club.

The FAI is looking at scrapping the proposed four-team tournament which was due to be a big stepping stone for a return to play.

The money saved from running that tournament would be added to the financial pot.

Derry added in their statement: “Because the Irish Government has truncated the number and timings of the easing of COVID-19 lockdown, there is a likelihood that the SSE Airtricity League will restart in mid-August.

“This would mean that the proposed four-team tournament between those teams participating in European competitions would not proceed.”

John

THE GAA today unveiled its ‘Safe Return to Gaelic Games’ document, which reveals the phased approach to holding club and inter-county championships in 2020 – provided Government advice confirms it is safe to do so.

Despite the Government’s announcement that organised outdoor exercise can return from Monday, the GAA is maintaining its June 29 date for a return to action.

At a virtual press conference, the Association launched a 15-page booklet outlining the road ahead.

The key points of this document are:

Walkways on GAA pitches will open from Monday, June 8

Club gates will open on June 29

Juvenile and adult club championship games can commence from July 31

Inter-county training to commence on September 14

The inter-county calendar will commence from October 17

A full fixture calendar will be published in August

All of the above plans are dependent on Government approval and advice.

The first phase of the Roadmap rolls out on June 6, when GAA walking tracks may be used for recreational use in groups of four.

No games or small group training will be permitted on GAA facilities at this stage and all clubroom facilities will remain closed.

Phase 3 commences from June 29 when all GAA pitches will open.

There will be no access to GAA buildings and indoor facilities except to use sanitised toilets.

From this date, grades from under-12 and below can train in small groups – with no more than 10 including players and coaches in one area of the pitch for non-contact training under social distancing guidelines.

Players aged between 15-18 can begin training too, with not more than 10 in a group. Parental or guardian sign-off will be needed for underage training.

Meanwhile, adults can also begin training in small groups of five, whilst social distancing.

Phase 4 commences on July 20 when all forms of team and group training are permitted and resumption of club competitions for all grades can start on 31 July.

Water bottles cannot be shared, and all equipment must be washed and sanitised at the end of every session.

Contract tracing will be in place for all players and backroom members.

A COVID-19 Supervisor will be appointed by clubs and duties will include taking temperature levels of team participants upon entry to the grounds.

If the level is over 37.5 the player must return home. At this stage all participants will have to complete a health questionnaire and submit to the club’s Covid Supervisor.

Anyone on the field will have to sanitise their hands upon entry and exit from grounds and clubs will be asked to display Covid-19 signage on their premises.

There will be a limit on spectator numbers in line with Government directives and spectators will be separated from players in line with social distancing requirements.

The final phase commences on August 10 when access to GAA buildings will be permitted again – where regular and effective cleaning can be carried out and where indoor social distancing can be maintained.

Contract tracing measures to be in place and sanitisers will be placed all through the facilities. Signage must be displayed, and crowds will be managed in line with agreed protocols and Government guidance.

On September 14, inter-county training will resume – subject to no change in medical advice or research.

From October 17 there will be a green light to resume inter-county championship matches.

An official statement from Shay Brennan, the Chair of the Advisory Group, read: “The Covid-19 Advisory Group was tasked with preparing a guidance document and recommendations that would inform the safe resumption of activities within the Gaelic games family.

“While this document provides a guide for a safe return for Gaelic Games activity, it is important to note that further, more detailed, advice and guidance will need to be provided in the coming weeks on specific areas contained within this document such as online training modules, the role of the Covid Supervisor, advice on recording player temperatures, advice on, and samples of signage and so on.

“It is also envisaged that separate and updated advice on the Safe Return for inter-county players will be published during Phase 4 and closer to the resumption time for inter-county activity.

“The Covid-19 Advisory group makes its recommendations on the resumption of activities having studied the best advice available from the Governments and National Health agencies on the island of Ireland, as well as other sporting bodies (separate advice, based on local considerations and consistent with jurisdictional obligations will need to be provided for clubs outside of Ireland).

“The evidence and research to date indicates that the resumption of activities is a complex process, that it may not be linear and that small and deliberate steps must be taken before there can be a return to full activity.

“The roadmap contained in this document outlines and defines a set of recommended minimum practices for the reintroduction of activities in a methodical manner which preserves player and community safety.

“The objective is to advise members and clubs on how a resumption of activities can best be achieved in a controlled and safe manner.

“The resumption of activity and the timing of progression between the various phases outlined may be influenced by factors outside the control of the Association.

“The guidelines, protocols and recommendations within the document are capable of evolving and staying abreast of changes in Government policy and developments within the Association.

“The priority at all times must be to protect the health and welfare of all those involved in Gaelic Games and to minimise the risk of transmission within the wider community.”

John

DERRY City and Strabane District Council’s Planning Committee have approved enhancement works at the Melvin Arena in Strabane.

The application approved at this week’s first virtual meeting of the Planning Committee allows for the removal of the existing changing facilities and the construction of a new covered stand to accommodate 200 spectators, changing accommodation, toilets, entrance booths and turnstiles.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Councillor Chris Jackson, welcomed the approval.

“The completed works at the Melvin Arena will be a significant upgrade for the facility and will crucially allow users such as Sion Swifts and Strabane Athletic to accommodate larger crowds at their games.

“It will complement the existing multi-use sports ground at the site which comprises a natural grass football pitch surrounded by a shale running track and athletics area.

“This was a very detailed application and I would like to congratulate Council Officers for their work with Gregory Architects to bring it to this key stage.”

Wednesday’s meeting was hosted virtually through Cisco after a new Addendum to the protocol for the committee to allow Virtual Planning Committees was ratified by Full Council on May 28th.

Anyone looking for planning information on application forms, planning fees and planning applications are encouraged to visit the planning portal: www.planningni.gov.uk/public-access-info

Or contact the service directly by e mailing planning@derrystrabane.com or calling 028 71 253253.

John

1st place for Loren Smallwoods

In 1st place was young, talented Loren Smallwoods playing off 11 with 39 points.

Loren is one to watch over the coming months as she is striking the ball really well and showing such potential.#

In 2nd place with a great score of 36 points was Anne Wallace playing off 19.

And her playing partner on the day Ciara Quigg was in 3rd place with 35 points.

Well done to all!

John

TALENTED Loren Smallwoods has continued her winning ways at the City of Derry Golf Club.

Last week she followed up her win from the previous week to take top slot with 35 points.

Playing off 10 handicap Loren modestly said “I had 2 blanks and 3 one pointers on my scorecard.”

She has certainly had an impressive start to the season.

In 2nd place was Terry Campbell, one of the club’s new members with 34 points

And Pamela Rutherford took 3rd place also with 34 points on a BOT.

Well done to Loren!

John

Institute FC is to launch an appeal against relegation from the Irish Premiership.

Last week, the Irish Premiership came to an end with a mathematical formula used to decide the final league placings.

That formula ended up relegating Institute who have been playing their home matches at Derry City’s Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium after its Riverside Stadium was first damaged in a flood and the by a huge fire.

But now they have lodged an appeal with the Irish FA.

In a statement released on Monday, the club say they repeatedly called for a “least harm” solution to the end of the season during the lengthy talks between clubs, that would have seen a 14-team top flight next season.

“The promotion of teams who have fought hard all season to achieve that objective and were on track to get there or be in a playoff position, was part of that ‘least harm’ proposal,” said the club statement.

“However, an equally important part of that proposal was that there should be ‘no relegation’ for teams who still had the potential to avoid it if the season had been played to its natural conclusion.”

The season was suspended in mid-March with all Premiership sides having played 31 games.

After clubs failed to reach a consensus on how to conclude the campaign, the final standings produced by the mathematical formula mirrored how the table looked when the season was halted by the pandemic.

With Linfield crowned champions, Institute were consigned to relegation with Championship winners Portadown set for a return to the top-flight.

“Institute FC are convinced that the failure of the NIFL Board to implement a ‘least harm’ solution to the curtailment of the current season is both a dereliction of their duty to protect the interests of all NIFL clubs,” said the club.

“(The decision) is a missed opportunity to provide a positive end to what has been a very difficult season for clubs and a horrendous three months for the general population and the communities that we represent.”

There will be no promotion/relegation play-off this season, meaning Warrenpoint Town’s Premiership place is safe while Ballinamallard United will spend next season in the Championship having finished second.

“While all Premiership clubs agreed on the ‘no relegation’ aspect of our proposal, a couple of clubs, understandably perhaps, were concerned about the prospect of three clubs potentially being relegated at the end of next season and the implications that that might have for their own clubs,” said Institute.

“Although, in our view, this would still have been consistent with a ‘least harm’ outcome, we were sympathetic to those concerns.

“As a result, we put forward an additional proposal for the adoption (for one or more seasons) of a 14 team league based on the Danish model.

“However, whilst this proposed model was circulated to all Premiership clubs, it was not discussed in detail because of the perceived time pressures involved in reporting to the NIFL Board, and the apparently more important issues of UEFA nominations and financial fair play in relation to the distribution of any associated financial gain.”

John

SINN Féin Councillor Christopher Jackson has called on the IFA to distribute its UEFA funding to soccer clubs in order to help them through the Covid crisis.

The Waterside Councillor said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has had a negative effect on many sectors, including our local soccer clubs.

“Many clubs are struggling financially during this crisis and it is becoming increasingly likely that some may unfortunately have to close their doors permanently.

“The IFA receive around £4m annually from the UEFA ‘Hat Trick Fund.’

“However, as a result of the COVID-19 crisis UEFA has permitted each of its member associations to use this money as they see fit.

“I am calling on the IFA to use the ‘Hat Trick Fund’ money to help clubs through this difficult period by distributing the funds equally amongst clubs.

“This will help ensure that local clubs can keep their doors open.

“Many local sports clubs are the heartbeat of local communities.

“We must do all that we can to support them during this time of great uncertainty,” he added.

John