By Michael McMullan

SLEACHT NÉILL camogs will have a new face between the posts when they begin the defence of their Derry and Ulster titles later this season.

Goalkeeper Jolene Bradley has called time on a career that has yielded eight Derry, six Ulster and three All-Ireland medals during the club’s golden age.

Following in the footsteps of her sister Sarah, she made her debut at the age of 15 in the 2018 season and wore the number one jersey when the Emmet’s won their first title in 2012.

Outfield player Josine McMullan, who missed last season through injury, has been in goals during the League so far this season.

“She is tough shoes to fill and she always kept calm,” commented selector Dympna Dougan on Bradley’s decision to step away.

“Putting somebody else in is a whole new ball game, but you have to respect her decision as he is getting married this year. You can’t fault the commitment she gave for all those years,”

Sleacht Néill, now under the management of Padraig Groogan, Dympna Dougan and Sean ‘Tad’ Cassidy, will face a different format in the Championship this season. Six teams will be placed in two groups of three, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.

The Emmet’s defeated Ballinascreen to take the 2021 title – their seventh in a row – before seeing off rivals Loughgiel to take their Ulster haul to six.

Their run was ended at the hands of Sarsfields in the All-Ireland semi-final.

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