DERRY SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP By Niall Gartland GLEN were a kick of the ball away from landing the Andy Merrigan Cup back in January. We won’t go into the ins and outs of the controversy that followed, but the point we’re trying to make is that Malachy O’Rourke’s side are one of the best teams in […]
Bellaghy looking no further than championship opener
By Michael McMullan DERRY league champions Bellaghy have their eyes fully focussed on next month’s championship opener with Dungiven insists Eoghan Brown. The Tones won their first league title since 2004 and used the campaign to make progress from last season when they found themselves in trouble until Derry CCC’s decision to scrap the relegation play-offs. […]
Bellaghy crowned league champions in Derry
By Michael McMullan BELLAGHY were crowned league champions in Derry by virtue of 2022 winners Glen’s win over Tones’ nearest challengers Coleraine in their final game of the season. Damian Cassidy’s side – still with a game to spare – were on the cusp of the title after last Tuesday’s win at home to Dungiven […]
Rivals yet again: John McEntee and Joe Cassidy
The last time Derry and Armagh met in the Ulster showdown, club rivals and university teammates John McEntee and Joe Cassidy were in opposing corners. Michael McMullan caught up with them for a walk down memory lane. WHEN Armagh minors began the defence of their Ulster title in a sun-kissed Athletic Grounds in May 1995, […]
Cassidy thriving in playing game after game
By Michael McMullan SATURDAY was a 37th consecutive senior game for Paul Cassidy since hitting net as a substitute on his debut in a win over Longford in Celtic Park at the heel of 2020. It was the first game after the Covid lockdown, a night when Glen duo Conor Glass and Ethan Doherty also […]
Every game is a must win for Oakleafers insists Cassidy
By Michael McMullan DERRY’S Paul Cassidy was named Man of the Match in Saturday’s McKenna Cup win over Tyrone but his mind was already looking into the future. It was Cassidy’s left peg that kicked Derry back in front after Tyrone’s 1-3 salvo tied the game early in the second half on Saturday evening. Derry […]
Build it and they will come – the story of the St Paul’s minor tournament
For four decades, the cream of minor club football spent the Christmas period jostling for top spot in the St Paul’s tournament. Michael McMullan takes a look at its beginning and lasting legacy. BRIAN Coyle always loved minor football. The entertainment on view always appealed to him. The open and free style pushed his buttons. […]
Feature: Ulster Club Kingpins
WITH the Ulster Club Senior Football Championship heating up, Shaun Casey casts his eye over past glories… Crossmaglen: 11 IN 1996, led by Cross and Armagh legend Joe Kernan, the Rangers picked up their first of 11 Ulster titles. They secured their last provincial crown in 2015 with an extra-time win over Scotstown and three […]
Provincial plaudits
The counties who have fared best in the Ulster Senior Club Football Championship. Armagh clubs (15 titles) THE Orchard County is level with Derry in terms of Ulster Senior Club titles. One big reason for their success in the provincial arena is Crossmaglen, who have won a record-breaking 11 titles. But that’s not all – […]
Derry cancel senior football relegation play-offs
By Michael McMullan THERE will be no relegation from the Derry Senior Football Championship this season after Derry CCC informed clubs they were cancelling the four relegation play-offs. At the start if the year, Derry CCC planned to shrink their 16-team Senior Championship and Division One to 12 teams for the 2023 season, via four […]