Full cycle of development makes Derry an easier sell


By Michael McMullan DERRY minor manager Damian McErlain insists the county senior footballers’ upward curve has morphed interest in football across the county into “a different animal”. Speaking ahead of his side’s final week of preparation for Sunday week’s All-Ireland minor final showdown with Monaghan, McErlain – a former senior manager – has noticed first-hand […]


Preview: Derry’s latest national barometer


All-Ireland SFC quarter-final Derry v Cork Sunday, Croke Park, 1.45pm Live on RTÉ By Michael McMullan “They may not appreciate it when I say it, but Derry needed this All-Ireland a lot more than Cork did.” The words of Derry captain Henry Downey followed the 1993 All-Ireland final, the last time the Oakleaf County crossed […]


STEVEN POACHER: A chink in the Kingdom armour


LAST weekend the start of the All-Ireland group stages commenced with holders Kerry opening their account against this year’s league champions and contenders to their crown Mayo. A lot of discussion has emerged around the new group format and the pointless nature of three group games and the incredible scenario that in some groups, even […]


Ulster Championship Team of the Year: Oaks stand tall again


Derry’s win over Armagh brought the curtain down on another Ulster Senior Football Championship. Michael McMullan cast his eyes over the key players in his Team of the Year selection. 1 – Odhrán Lynch (Derry) LITTLE to choose between him and Ethan Rafferty but saving three penalties in a shoot-out is something Lynch, Derry folk or […]


Derry drew on their Ulster final experience


By Michael McMullan THE experience of 2022 and dealing with the noise in Clones stood to Derry as Sunday’s Ulster final insists manager Ciaran Meenagh. Without the use of a Maor Foirne, running on to give instructions, Meenagh expressed how difficult it was to get messages on to the players as Sunday’s Ulster final morphed […]


A privilege to play with McGuigan says Conor Glass


By Michael McMullan DERRY captain Conor Glass said it was a privilege to play on the same team as Shane McGuigan in Sunday’s Ulster final win over Armagh. Both players scored penalties in a dramatic shootout as the Oakleafers repeated the feat of the team of 1976 by retaining the Ulster title. McGuigan was named […]