Derry’s double Ulster Champions now focus on All Ireland glory

, ,

Derry’s Gaelic Footballers have set their sights on a second ever Sam Maguire after they retained their Ulster title in dramatic fashion last month.

The Oak Leafers were pushed all the way to extra time and a penalty shootout by Armagh in the provincial decider in Clones.

Derry finished the game on 1-15 to Armagh’s 0-18 after extra time and Derry goalkeeper Odhran Lynch was the hero in the shootout as he made three saves to allow Ciaran McFaul to stroke home the winning penalty.

They are now contesting a place in the All Ireland semi-finals at Croke Park through the group stages where a draw against Monaghan in Celtic Park was followed up with an impressive win over neighbours Donegal at Ballybofey.

Their place in the semis will be determined by their final group game against Clare in Longford next week where they will start as favourites after comfortably dispatching the Banner county in the quarter final stages last summer.

Derry have won just one All Ireland title in their history, back in 1993, but the high level of their performances this year has raised hopes that they can at least go a step further than their All Ireland semi-final loss to Galway last summer.

It is proving to be a vintage period for local sport following Derry City’s FAI Cup triumph over Shelbourne in the Aviva last November.

Ruaidhri Higgins’ side are currently riding high in the League of Ireland Premier Division and, at the time of writing, lie second behind Shamrock Rovers in the table as the season approaches the half way point.

Their runners up finish in last season’s league has qualified them for this year’s Europa Conference League and fans will be hopeful of a favourable outcome when the draw is made next month.

/0 Comments/by

The Foyle Maritime Festival returned to the banks of the River Foyle

, , , , ,

After a four-year absence, the award-winning event has returned with exciting live performances, shop tours, water sports, LegenDerry food trails and much more.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race also made a welcome return to the Maiden City.
This year’s theme is What Lies Beneath, focused on the natural beauty of the oceans, rivers and lakes, and how we can protect marine life.

On Friday, July 22, the River Foyle was illuminated by a Parade of Light featuring the Clipper Race Fleet and the Phoenix Tall Ship, a synchronised fireworks display, and an hour of illumination, performances and installations along the quay from early evening through to midnight.

On Sunday, July 24, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Sandra Duffy, joined the crowds on Derry’s quayside to bid farewell to the Clipper Race fleet as they left the city on the final leg of their global adventure. The eleven Clipper 70 racing yachts have been central to the festivities throughout the Foyle Maritime Festival, and there were emotional scenes as they embarked on a beautiful Parade of Sail up the Foyle before heading for the final race start in Greencastle.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet departure from Foyle Marina, in the last leg of the global race from Derry to London brought the Foyle Maritime Festival to a colourful conclusion with a massed crew photocall, a parade of sail and a farewell from Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor, Councillor Sandra Duffy. Picture Martin McKeown. 24.07.22
/0 Comments/by

Bready hosts International women’s Tri-Series tournament

, ,

A worldwide television audience of hundreds of thousands were tuned into Bready last month as the Ireland’s women cricketers played host to Australia and Pakistan in a Tri-Series tournament.

The visiting nations used the event as preparation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham which featured women’s T20 cricket for the first time.

The Australian side are the number one ranked side in the world and their games with 11th ranked Ireland went to form as they recorded back to back wins.

The games between Pakistan and Australia were unfortunately called off due to rain and although Pakistan defeated Ireland, the Kiwis claimed the series courtesy of their victories over the girls in green.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy attended the weekend game against Australia and praised everyone involved in hosting the high level international.

“This was a brilliant opportunity for the Ireland women to gain experience against some of the top sides in the world and prepare for their World Cup qualifying games later this year,” she said.

“Bready Cricket Club have gone from strength to strength in recent years and have developed an outstanding venue fit for international fixtures such as this.

“Ireland’s men’s and women’s games at Bready are beamed to homes all over the world on television and online and cement our city’s reputation for playing host to international level events.”

Ireland and Australia’s women cricketers pose for a post-match selfie following their first game in Bready.
/0 Comments/by

Derry footballers land first Ulster title in 24 years – but miss out on All-Island glory

, ,

The Anglo Celt Cup is back in Derry for the first time in almost a quarter of a century following the Oak Leaf county’s Ulster Final win over near neighbours Donegal.

Rory Gallagher’s side claimed the title the hard way, overcoming the odds against All Ireland Champions Tyrone in the quarter finals before wins over Monaghan and Donegal sealed the title.

The win qualified Derry for the All-Ireland series at Croke Park, but their bid to win a first All-Ireland title since 1993 sadly failed after a semi-final defeat by Galway at Croke Park.

Thousands of Derry fans travelled to Dublin to cheer on the team, who despite a strong start, ultimately lost out on a place in the final.

After the game, Gallagher said he believed the team could enjoy success again next year: “The challenge now is to grind it out again,” he added. “I have no doubt the boys will.”

/0 Comments/by