Lowry aims to keep 100% record

In possession of a degree in pharmacy — and three doubles in his spell with Linfield — Philip Lowry knows well that getting the chemistry right is key to Derry City’s FAI Ford Cup aspirations at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

“There’s always space on the mantelpiece,” quipped the midfielder in referencing his successful five-year spell at the Irish League kingpins and his desire to win more.

“I played in three Irish Cup finals and I won all three. I’ll be looking to keep my 100% record going.”

Bright and level-headed, 25-year-old Lowry has his career path well planned out, on and off the field.

Nurtured at nearby hometown club Limavady, he debuted in the Irish League with Institute before a move to Linfield brought the honours. Along the way Lowry was capped four times for Northern Ireland U21s.

“I’ve always been Limavady, through the ranks there and then obviously I got signed for Institute and played in the Premiership aged 17,” said Lowry.

“I went to Linfield when I was at university in Belfast. I finished my degree and finished living up there so circumstances outside football meant it was the right time to come home.

“I’m a qualified pharmacist now. I’m young enough to play full-time football. When I’m healthy and fit, I think it’s the right thing to do.

“I still do the odd day here and there and I’ll maybe go back to it when the money dries up in the off-season,” he added of working as a locum.

“That’s what I’ll do for the winter.

“It’s obviously something that’s good to fall back on. I’m glad I got the degree out of the way and I’m in the perfect position now to concentrate on the football.”

Peter Hutton’s first major signing as Derry boss when he replaced Roddy Collins back in May, Lowry said the lure of full-time football was another considerable factor in the offer being too good to turn down.

“I’ve been really enjoying it. I’ve really liked the step-up to full-time training and playing against some top players in the League of Ireland, especially in midfield. It’s been a massive challenge, but it’s one you relish.”