By Michael McMullan “IT doesn’t get any easier.” That’s how Derry minor manager Damian McErlain sees the defence of their All-Ireland title. The Oakleafers had to fend off a stern Armagh challenge to retain their Ulster title in Omagh. Eoin Duffy’s goal had Armagh two points ahead after 20 minutes before Derry hit three points […]
By Niall Gartland DERRY minor captain James Sargent has already made quite a name for himself as a burgeoning young talent, and he’s hoping to pocket his second successive provincial medal at this level against Armagh this weekend. The Oakleafers won last year’s Electric Ireland All-Ireland title and Sargent is one of a batch of […]
By Michael McMullan SATURDAY brings the last round of games before the Ulster Minor Football Championship breaks into the knock-out stages. The top team in each section will advance to the semi-finals where they will be rewarded with home advantage. Teams in second and third will then play off in two quarter-finals. Down’s win over […]
By Michael McMullan THE stakes rise for Derry and Armagh minors who meet in Saturday’s top of the table clash in Owenbeg. Group winners advance straight to the semi-finals where they will be rewarded with home advantage. After that, teams in second and third spots play in two quarter-finals. Reigning Ulster and All-Ireland champions Derry […]
By Shaun Casey ULSTER and All-Ireland Minor champions Derry continue their championship campaign this weekend as they travel to Dunsilly to take on Antrim and aim to continue their fine form at this age grade. Damian McErlain’s side have already captured the league title, the only trophy that eluded them last season, and opened their […]
Sunday is a first meeting of Kerry and Derry at senior level since 2015. Since that, both counties laid strong foundations at underage level. Michael McMullan takes a look… “The transition talk…I think Joe Brolly…Joe Brolly told us the production line was finished in Kerry. Well, Joe Brolly….what d’ya think about that?” – Kieran Donaghy […]
By Michael McMullan DERRY attacking ace Conall Higgins said a combination of factors made him feel an All-Ireland Minor title was something the squad could accomplish. Higgins was one of five players from last year’s team who were narrowly beaten at the semi-final stage by eventual champions Galway. After missing this year’s semi-final win over […]
By Michael McMullan JOHNNY McGuckian talks about football the same way he plays it. Glint in the eye. Smirk on his face. If a reverse gear exists, it’s not obvious. There is energy you can’t hide. If Derry minors were a hit single, McGuckian would be the chorus. That piece you always remember. Sunday proved […]
By Michael McMullan SUNDAY was a fitting end to Damian McErlain’s first year back in the driver’s seat of Derry’s minor rollercoaster. With Derry staggering around in the darkness of a 13-year minor famine, he took the reins in the autumn of 2014 to pull together an Ulster winning team that forged a change in […]
All-Ireland MFC final Derry v Monaghan Sunday, BOX-IT, Athletic Grounds, 1pm Live on TG4 By Shaun Casey FOR the fourth time this season, and the second time with silverware on the line, Monaghan and Derry will lock horns in what should be a fascinating duel to complete the minor championship. The two teams, surely buoyed […]
