Strathfoyle

Strathfoyle Irish: Srath na Feabhail
Population	1,581 (2001 Census)
Irish grid reference	C466208
District	Derry City
County	County Londonderry
Country	Northern Ireland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	LONDONDERRY
Postcode district	BT47
Dialling code	028
UK Parliament	Foyle

Strathfoyle (from Irish Srath na Feabhail 'strath of the Foyle') is a village in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, about 5 miles (8.0 km) north east of Derry. It was built in different phases between the late 1950s and the late 1960s, with many new recent additions to the village, including Westlake, Butler's Wharf and Old Fort. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 1,581 people. It is within the Derry Urban Area and the Derry City Council area. The village has a small retail outlet (A pharmacy, a supermarket, a fast food take-away and a variety shop), a chapel, a Church of Ireland, a library, youth club and a post office. Strathfoyle's community is fast becoming multi-cultural, with many Polish people moving to the area. Initially they faced a hostile reception, but the situation has since improved. Regular Sunday football matches have been organised between local youth and the new arrivals. Strathfoyle is situated directly across the River Foyle from the upper class settlement of Culmore. Despite being on the east bank of the Foyle, Strathfoyle is not considered to be part of the Waterside.

History

World War II

During World War II, Strathfoyle was used as a base for Allied troops. Its location beside Londonderry Port was ideal for Navy vessels and the port was later used for the capture and destruction of German U-Boats after the Battle of the Atlantic. Remnants of the jetty used can be seen at Lisahally.There are also ruins of bunkers scattered throughout the surrounding area, in what the locals refer to as, "The Quarry". This is the area that separates Strathfoyle from the railway line and the River Foyle. It is essentially an extensive stretch of forest area, not an actual quarry. During the War, Strathfoyle was also unofficially recognised as a Red-light district.

Post-War

Strathfoyle was more seriously developed after the war and in the 1950s it was established as a housing estate. The area which is commonly known throughout Strathfoyle as 'The New Estate' was built shortly after the erection of the first set of houses, in different phases spanning across three decades, the 1970s, 80s and 90s. In the new Millennium, Strathfoyle has seen a surge in popularity and is now seen as a choice location for young people looking for residence. This high interest has led to the construction of new additions to the Strathfoyle area, including 'The New Fort' and 'Butler's Wharf', the latter of which is named after a local farmer, not after the famous Butler's Wharf area in London.

Places of interest

• Londonderry Port - Irish Port of the Year 2005
• The Oak's Fishery - Local fishery
• Enagh Lough
• Enagh Old Church and Graveyard
• City of Derry Rugby Club

Sport

Strathfoyle has been known to produce fine sportsmen and women, however there has always been strong criticism against the local council, as Strathfoyle remains a poorly facilitated area for youth development. There is, however, a Youth Club, which takes a soccer team to Galway each year to participate in the 'Galway World Cup'[1].In recent years, they have proven to be a force to be reckoned with, winning the competition in 2005 and finishing runners up in 2006. The 2007 'Galway World Cup' Team also finished runners up in the youth competition.

Soccer

The local football team, Lisahally F.C. takes its name from the Londonderry Port, which is in close proximity of the village. Top of the Hill Celtic F.C. is also a popular choice of team to play for with people from Strathfoyle. Both communities share a close relationship with regard to sport. A number of players from Strathfoyle have also joined the newly formed Maydown F.C., who are based in Maydown.

Gaelic football

Strathfoyle was also the base for the now defunct gaelic football team, Enagh GAC. Since becoming defunct, many of Enagh's roster joined St. Mary's Slaughtmanus and it has since become a popular choice of team for Gaelic footballers from the Strathfoyle area.

Rugby

The City of Derry Rugby Club is situated on the outskirts of Strathfoyle, however, rugby union is not very popular within the village, with the working-class dominated society of the village tending to play soccer or Gaelic football.

Demographics

Strathfoyle is classified as a village by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (ie with population between 1,000 and 2,250 people). On Census day (29 April 2001) there were 1,581 people living in Strathfoyle. Of these:

• 32.6% were aged under 16 years and 12.1% were aged 60 and over
• 48.1% of the population were male and 51.9% were female
• 84.3% were from a Catholic background and 15.2% were from a Protestant background
• 7.8% of people aged 16-74 were unemployed

For more details see: NI Neighbourhood Information Service

Economy

Du Pont factory on the outskirts of Strathfoyle

Companies such as Du Pont, Coolkeeragh ESB and Foyle Meats are situated nearby, and have been, for many years providing employment to the people of Derry. A resentment toward these industries has grown in recent years, in particular toward the foul smell emitted from Foyle Meats. This was demonstrated in a youth scheme, who filmed their activities. In 2005, more than 30 Polish workers in Foyle Meats walked out after being subjected to sectarian abuse. There is also a small retail outlet containing a pharmacy, supermarket, fast food take-away and variety store. The local Library introduces youth to the wonderful world of literature and is also equipped with a number of computers. Nearby, the Teacher Training Centre, is one of the main centres in Derry. Just outside Strathfoyle, in Maydown, there is an industrial park containing a Steel Factory. Lisahally, the Derry Port,is also a base of employment for many Derry citizens. The Lisahally Livestock Market, situated near the port, is the Derry City Council's main livestock market. The Taxi firm Express Cabs was set up in Strathfoyle and is currently based in Maydown, although its main clientele comes from Strathfoyle.

Education

St. Oliver Plunkett's Primary School, provides education for around 176 pupils in the area. The school was established in 1975 and is the main primary school in the Strathfoyle (including Maydown) area. Many past and present students of the school have experience a degree of varying success locally and nationally, winning numerous quizzes, chess competitions, sporting events and other such education related topics. The school promotes a Catholic ethos and is situated beside St. Oliver Plunkett Chapel. The majority of post primary school students in Strathfoyle attend schools such as Oakgrove Integrated College, St. Mary's High School in Limavady, or St. Columb's College. Oakgrove Integrated College is located near to the village and is a popular choice among students due to its proximity to the village.

Social

Molins Sports and Social Club is the main choice of social interaction in Strathfoyle. Situated on the outskirts of Strathfoyle near DuPont, Molins is a focal point in Strathfoyle society. There is a bar, dance hall and pool hall and it hosts many local events and celebrations. It is the choice location for celebration among Lisahally F.C. players and fans alike. However Molins will sadly be closing down in May 2009. The Fa Cup Final is the final send off for the locals. Strathfoyle local Mark Tracy, also known as Dick was quoted saying, "In my opinion it's the best bar in Ireland and i'm not afraid to admit i'll cry when it goes!" Long will Molins live in the hearts of strathfoyle folk. The Auld School' was a bar opened in Strathfoyle by the local parish. It was extremely popular with the inhabitants of Strathfoyle for quite some time. It was closed down after a vending license dispute.

The people of Strathfoyle are holding a 'Spring Break' like party from July 28th 09 to 31st July 09. All the people of strathfoyle will be partying on the streets. Providing the weather is good there will be party in the parks and 40 man a side knockout on the pitch. One local Mark Tracy also known as Dick was quoted saying, "I can't wait for stra's spring break like party. The Summer time is my favorite time of the year but I love my turkey at Christmas!"

Notable residents

• Lawrence Mullan - Former footballer and "Derry's Handyman of the Year" 1990
• David Ogilby - Institute F.C. footballer
• Christopher Whoriskey - Former footballer, current manager of Lisahally F.C.

See also

• Lisahally F.C.
• List of villages in Northern Ireland
• List of towns in Northern Ireland

External links

• Map of Strathfoyle
• Google Map of Strathfoyle
• Strathfoyle Womens' Group
• 'Strathfoyle is Fuming' Strathfoyle Youth Development demonstration against Foyle Meats
• Collection of photographs depicting scenes in Strathfoyle