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 […]
Stakes start to rise for Derry minors
May 3, 2024
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 […]
Oakleafer minors out to continue winning run
April 19, 2024
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 […]
No minor matter: Derry and Kerry’s underage story
July 15, 2023
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 […]
Higgins basks in glory of Derry’s end goal
July 13, 2023
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 […]
Derry’s McGuckian is happy to have finished what he started
July 13, 2023
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 […]
McErlain pays tribute to latest Derry crop after finishing what he started
July 11, 2023
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 […]
Ulster rivals to the four in final
July 8, 2023
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 […]
New game, new challenge for Derry in minor decider
July 6, 2023
The Derry boss expecting Monaghan to offer a different proposition in a fourth meeting of the teams. By Michael McMullan AS Derry manager Damian McErlain journeyed towards Tullamore, he knew it was going to be a fourth showdown with Monaghan if his Derry side negotiated Dublin 24 hours later in their half of the semi-final […]
McEldowney expecting an electric atmosphere in minor final
July 6, 2023
By Michael McMullan EVERY young player wants to play in Croke Park and Fionn McEldowney is no different, but the Derry minor skipper feels it’s the right decision to take the All-Ireland minor final to Armagh. Sunday’s game (BOX-IT Athletic Grounds 1pm) will be the Oaks’ fourth meeting with Monaghan this year and McEldowney knows […]