Press Release

Deputy Mayor congratulates Derry City Sportshall Ulster Success

16th March 2009

Photocall
Deputy Mayor formally congratulates
Derry City Sportshall Athletics team on their recent success
Date: Today, Monday 16th March 2009
Venue: The Guildhall
Time: 4.00pm

The Deputy Mayor, Alderman Maurice Devenney today, Monday 16th March, congratulated the Derry City Sportshall Team on their performance at the Ulster Sportshall Final, which was held in Magherafelt last week.

The indoor athletic competition, which is open to boys and girls under 13 and 15 years, featured participating teams from Donegal, Fermanagh, Derry City and County, Antrim, Belfast, North & South Down and East Belfast.

The Derry City Sportshall Team excelled themselves at the competition, taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the U15 Girls, U13 Boys and U13 Girls Team competitions respectively. The 1st for the U15 Girls qualifies them for the UK Sportshall Final in Birmingham on the 22nd March 2009, a first for Derry City and club.

The Deputy Mayor said,

“This is a wonderful achievement for the Derry City Sportshall Team and sets a wonderful example to the youth of our city. The team beat off stiff competition to be placed so well and I was particularly delighted to note the success of the U 15 Girls team, who will now go on to represent their club and city in the UK finals! I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the team members, coaches and their families who I’m sure are very proud of their achievements.”

Elaine McCaffrey, Team Manager and Coach, said that the wins last Thursday were an indication on how hard the teams had worked to improve their performances.

“The win in the U15 Girls competition was the big upset of the day as Donegal were strong favourites to take the title. However it was to be our day and duly well earned given that many of the girls were on the team for the second year and had worked hard to improve for this year’s competition.”

The Individual Performances of the day came from Quentin Wylie, Lumen Christi who took the Gold medal in the U13 Boys Speed Bounce. Anna Barr added valuable full points to the U15 Girls Team score with a win in the Speed Bounce as did the 8 Lap Paarlauf Relay Team Lauren Maguire, Thornhill and Tamara Boyle St Cecilia’s.

Jamie Devine, the only individual from the U15 Boys Team to make it through to the Ulster’s was very unlucky not to qualify for Birmingham as he was beaten by one point in the U15 All Rounder Competition. Although some consolation came from a Gold medal in the Shot and two bronze in the Triple Jump and 4 Lap race.

Speaking ahead of the preparations for the UK Finals, Elaine McCaffrey continued.

“The Girls U15 Team will now go into specific training for the UK Finals. In preparation for the UK finals on the 22nd of March the team and management now have to try and secure funds needed to send the team to Birmingham. It is anticipated that we need to raise upwards of £1000 therefore I would appeal to any local business willing to support the team with sponsorship, big or small, to meet costs to contact the Derry Sportshall Team management directly.”

For more information on how to make a contribution contact Elaine McCaffrey, Team Manager/Coach on 07841 804 034.

Ends

Notes to editor

Full Team List to Travel

Alix McDaid - Thornhill College/City of Derry AC
Anna Barr - Thornhill College/City of Derry AC
Lauren Maguire - Thornhill College/City of Derry AC
Lisa Dobbins - Thornhill College/City of Derry AC
Rachel McCallion- Lumen Christi College
Shannon Dunne - St Cecilia’s College
Tamara Boyle - St Cecilia’s College/City of Derry AC
Elaine Mc Caffrey - Team Manager & Coach - North West Athletics Development Officer

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