Limavady author launches ‘A Journey Through Roe Valley Sport’ in support of Foyle Hospice

Celebrated local author and sports historian Gerry Robinson launched his latest book, ‘A Journey Through Roe Valley Sport’, on Wednesday, April 16, at Café Steinbeck.

The event was attended by a host of notable guests, including Limavady-born athlete James Thompson, now residing in Italy; Colin Loughrey, James’ former youth coach; marathon runner Kate Semple; Dean Cassidy, minister, athlete, and former footballer; and Geoff Ferris, a stalwart of Limavady’s sporting heritage and chaplain of Limavady United.

‘A Journey Through Roe Valley Sport’ marks Gerry’s fifth publication in just 18 months and as previously, all proceeds from the book will go to Foyle Hospice, a charity deeply meaningful to him.

Gerry shared that one of the key themes of the book is the concept of exile, highlighting athletes from Limavady who now live elsewhere, as well as paying tribute to sportsmen the community has lost over the years.

He explained more:

“This book is exactly as it says on the title; it is a journey through Roe Valley sports and takes us right back to the seventies.

“We go through seventies football, eighties, nineties and 2000s, it is a wee bit of everything!

“Some of it is about exiles, we actually have James Thompson over from Italy who he is featured in the centre pages; he has been at athletics for years and, he played Gaelic with the Wolfhounds, soccer too and he is one of the guests of honour at the launch.

“Our other guest of honour is Colin Loughrey, who coached James, and really inspired him, being a legend at both cycling and athletics.

“In the book, we have Wilson Hamilton, who was World Champion in stock car-racing, from Limavady originally, living in England now and is highly regarded in the world of sport.

“Ryan ‘Skippy’ Stewart was from the Edenmore Road and emigrated to New Zealand a few years back is now a coach of the Samoa National Football Team.

“Owen Daly who played in the eighties for Limavady, Larne and Coleraine, was tragically killed on the way home from a Larne game so we have a tribute to him as he was a fabulous footballer and I thought it is about time that he was recognised.

“Back to the seventies, we have Limavady Rangers, Burnfoot Football club, Drummond Football team who are now obsolete but it is nice to remember them.

“Motorist Raymond Grey is featured, who is an absolute legend, he has navigated a circuit of Ireland and has been with the Maiden City Rally Club for many years and has organised rallies in this town.

“Ken Dallas, who died a few months ago, was a legendary sportsman is shown having a game of bowls, although he is better known as a footballer.”

To reflect the book’s theme, Gerry has penned a heartfelt poem about Limavady exiles, titled Our Atlantic Shore, which opens the publication.

The book also includes contemporary photographs, capturing moments such as Eunan McLaughlin receiving Man of the Match award, mountain biking talent Graeme Service in action, and the renowned Lowry brothers, celebrated for their footballing achievements.

Gerry continued on present day success:

“A notable present-day inclusion is Callum Brown, who played for the Limavady Wolfhounds and was scouted here by the AFL representatives, his story is told here.

“Shauna O’Neill is a young lass, who is tearing it up in bowls, winning the World Pairs, Under-25s, she has won lots of championships and is very prominent in the world of bowls.

“Josh Wilson, who played in the British Irish 11 competing in the European Cricket Weston Shield in Spain has also got a write up.”

Gerry is also eagerly looking forward to an upcoming match he has co-organised with Geoff Ferris, set to take place this May, featuring Limavady United Legends facing off against Derry City FC Legends.

Proceeds from the match will once again go to support Foyle Hospice.

With this event on the horizon, Gerry is already turning his attention to compiling a special Christmas bumper edition of his work, due for release during the festive season in support of local charities.

‘A Journey through Roe Valley Sport’ is on sale in Menarys, Café Steinbeck and the Foyle Hospice Shop at a price of £10.