Kelly brings out perfect stocking-filler

Indeed, be it local soccer, boxing, rugby, cricket or athletics “Sporting Greats of the North West” is a must read publication, the book serving as a perfect reference point to sporting achievements by local sportsmen and women.

Having taken almost six years to reach print, Richie has delved into many memorable past achievements, most of which today’s young supporters will not have been aware of.

He makes the point that so many local sportsmen and women have clearly punched above their weight down though the years.

From the fabulous role Don Shearer played in both the cricket and soccer codes, Richie takes in the careers of Derry City legends Jimmy Kelly and Jimmy Delaney, right through to the club’s unmatched “treble” success in 1989. The famous Spider Kelly influence in boxing moves on to Charlie Nash’s challenge for world title honours in Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall.

In fact, the author has made room for a plethora of local sporting achievements, reflecting on many unknown facts and figures at both junior and senior level.

Derry characters such as the late local solicitor, Claude Wilton’s involvement in sport not to mention Modern Day Athletics and the Olympic Games.

Donemana’s famous “nine in a row” North-West Senior One titles is prominent but more than anything, Kelly proves how the North-West area has enjoyed more than its fair share of success through the decades.

“Given that the North-West area takes in a very small corner of Ireland, sporting achievement in this area is hugely significant, and it was those successes which fuelled my enthusiasm to research other events in other sports which I found fascinating,” he added.

“Institute secured their place amongst the ‘big boys’ in 2002, after beating Armagh City, Derry City won all three domestic trophies in the League of Ireland in 1989, having joined the league just four years earlier. They achieved a feat no other club had managed and, indeed, that feat has yet to be.”

Published by Guildhall Press, “Sporting Greats of the North West” is now on sale in all good bookshops priced at £11.95.