By Michael McMullan

IT has been a busy two months for new Derry manager Paddy Tally but he’s looking forward to the league kicking into action this weekend.

The addition of strength and conditioning coach Cairbre Ó Cairealláin was an important addition to the management team.

Former Derry ‘keeper Johnny Kelly has also come on board work with the goalkeeper, joining Paul McIver, Paul McFlynn and Kevin McGuckin.

Glenullin midfielder Neil McNicholl has joined the panel as a ‘keeper this season.

Odhrán Lynch remains on board with Lavey’s Louis Regan and James Gribbin of county champions Newbridge also on board, taking the goalking tally to four.

Conor Glass remains as captain with Conor Doherty as vice-captain and Tally has retained the majority of last year’s panel.

Chrissy McKaigue retired after a stellar career with Ballinascreen ‘keeper Ryan Scullion and Glen’s Emmett Bradley not part of the squad.

Scullion is part of the minor management as goalkeeper coach with Bradley not committing due to personal circumstances.

Ballinderry duo Gareth McKinless and Niall O’Donnell will have their full focus on club championship action ahead of Sunday’s refixed Al-Ireland final with Crossmolina.

Derry have played both Galway and Cavan in challenge games ahead of Saturday’s trip to Omagh.

In terms of injuries, Paudi McGrogan (ACL), Conor McCluskey and Niall Loughlin (both groin) are current rehabbing from operations last season.

There are hopes of all being back in full training as the league goes on.

“It’s been very busy,” Tally said of his tenure to date. “I have been learning a lot of new names and new players.

“I’ve been introducing myself to them, getting them to know how I do my work and vice versa.

“It’s been slightly over two months, so it’s been really busy but I’m happy enough where we are and we’re now looking forward to the matches starting at the weekend.”

Derry are the reigning league champions and will face Anglo Celt Cup holders Donegal when the Ulster Championship comes around the corner.

For Tally, the Oakleaf focus is more short term than anything in terms of what they hope to take from the coming weeks.

“It’s always an opportunity for a couple of things,” he said of the league.

“Every year you want to maintain your status in Division One, I think that’s crucial.

“I think the teams work very hard to get to Division One, but it’s also very difficult to stay up there because it’s highly competitive.

“The second thing is to find a few players. You have to blood players in the league that you could potentially use in the championship,” Tally said.

“I think if you don’t do that, you’re never really sure come championship whether a player will be able to play at that level or not.”

He commented on the importance of having depth in the squad and there have been players added ahead of the 2025 campaign.

Callum McGrogan has come in from Newbridge, there are returns for Dan Higgins, Anton Tohill and Jack Doherty.

Lavey duo Rory McGill and Ryan Mulholland have also came in after impressing at club level with Patrick McGurk also back after a spell on the squad last season.

Magherafelt’s Conall Heron, Bellaghy’s Charlie Diamond and Glen’s Jody McDermott have also been added.

“A few young boys have been brought into the panel at the minute have been training really well. All been well, we give them game time and see how they go,” he concluded.

More in Thursday’s Gaelic Life.