IT’S been some two weeks for inter-county retirements with the news breaking this week that Derry’s Chrissy McKaigue and Dublin’s Brian Fenton were calling it a day. Let’s start with McKaigue and what a servant he has been to club and county over the last number of years. He has witnessed some dark days in […]
Tally looks ahead to his Derry tenure
By Michael McMullan NEW Derry manager Paddy Tally will pencil in rest for whoever needs it and says a strong link across the u-17 and u-20 grades is essential to long-term progress. He points out the difference in conditioning levels between a player coming in from the u-20 grade to a seasoned player with a […]
Derry GAA pay glowing tribute as McKaigue signs off
NEWLY retired Chrissy McKaigue leaves a ‘legacy etched in determination, leadership and excellence’ according to a tribute released from Derry GAA. McKaigue has taken the decision to sign off on his intercounty career, 16 years after making his senior debut in a championship clash against Monaghan in 2008. Now 35, McKaigue made 149 senior appearances […]
Derry hurling boss wary of potential banana skin
By Niall Gartland DERRY hurlers begin their Christy Ring Cup campaign this weekend as they commence their quest to go one better than last year in the competition. The Oakleafers lost last year’s final by a mere two points against Meath, but manager Johnny McGarvey knows it would be foolhardy to look beyond the group […]
Speculation mounts of Mickey Harte being named as new Derry boss
By Michael McMullan SPECULATION is mounting that former Tyrone and Louth manager Mickey Harte is set to be named as the new Derry senior football manager. Harte stepped down as Louth boss on Monday night and is tipped to fill the vacancy with Ulster champions Derry. Louth GAA issued the following statement: Advertisement “Following a […]
STEVEN POACHER: How to coach the tackle
MOST teams are now entering into club championships across the province and, as coaches, it’s important we remember that Gaelic football has clearly defined rules. It is amazing how many of us probably don’t familiarise ourselves with those rules, particularly surrounding contentious issues such as the tackle. It’s also important to remember that it’s a game […]
One change for Derry ahead for first championship meeting with Cork in 30 years
By Michael McMullan DERRY have made one change for Sunday’s All-Ireland quarter-final with Cork in Croke Park (1.45pm), part of a double header with Dublin and Mayo that is expected to bring 80,000 fans. There is a return for All-Star defender Chrissy McKaigue with clubmate Padraig Cassidy dropping to the bench. McKaigue was rested in […]
Derry focusing mainly on themselves says Meenagh
By Michael McMullan DERRY manager Ciaran Meenagh accepts the tight turnaround time from Monday’s draw and says the biggest element of his side’s focus will be getting a performance in Croke Park. Like champions Kerry, Armagh and Dublin, the Oakleafers will have to wait to see who they are paired with before honing in closer […]
McKaigue good to go for last eight: Meenagh
By Michael McMullan DERRY manager Ciaran Meenagh confirmed that Chrissy McKaigue will be “good to go” for the All-Ireland quarter-finals later this month. The All-Star defender was listed to start against Clare in Longford but an injury sustained early in the win over Donegal needed “a wee bit” of time. “If it was knock-out, sudden […]
Chrissy McKaigue and Pierce Laverty on the art of man-marking
Shaun Casey investigates the art of man-marking by talking to two of its finest exponents “WHEN Derry ended a 24-year wait for an Ulster title last season, Chrissy McKaigue was the man fortunate enough to climb the steps in Clones and raise the Anglo Celt above his head. It was a long and at times […]