Ulster SFC semi-final Derry v Monaghan Saturday, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 5pm By Michael McMullan RYAN O’Toole. What a man. The Scotstown defender’s wonder strike shot the Farney County into Saturday’s repeat of last year’s semi-final and another clash with reigning champions Derry. As a story, it will take some beating in Ulster this summer. Advertisement […]
Former ‘keeper Gillis not shocked by progress of Derry’s young guns
By Michael McMullan FORMER Derry goalkeeper Barry Gillis is not surprised the underage production line has helped push the county up the footballing ladder. He feels the Oakleafers have pushed on since last year but Rory Beggan’s range of kicking will keep Derry guessing on Saturday at O’Neill’s Healy Park. Ironically it was Gillis who […]
Quickfire start was crucial for Derry says Rogers
By Michael McMullan A QUICK-FIRE start against Fermanagh on Saturday gave Derry the opportunity to get their key men on the front foot says Brendan Rogers. The Sleacht Néill man said a line was quickly drawn under their Dublin league final defeat ahead of the championship. Derry’s analysis came down to two elements. The Oakleafers […]
Meenagh feels O’Hanlon will keep his spot over returning Cluxton
By Michael McMullan DERRY assistant manager Ciaran Meenagh isn’t expecting eight-time All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton to dislodge David O’Hanlon ahead of Sunday’s Division Two league final. The 41-year-old made a surprise return to ease a goalkeeping injury crisis in Dessie Farrell’s squad, news that filtered into the Derry camp before their draw with Cork. […]
Gaelic Life All-Stars Club Footballer of the Year (Ryan Dougan – Glen)
OUR Footballer of the Year couldn’t make the All-Stars last Friday night – but he had a perfectly valid excuse. Teak-tough Glen defender Ryan Dougan is currently spending a bit of time in Bali, Indonesia, but he joined us on video call for a quick chat about the 2022 season. There were plenty of good […]
IN FOCUS – Paul McFlynn: A stylish side of calm
Paul McFlynn was a mainstay in the Derry senior team for ten years and part of Loup’s success story from underage promise to Ulster senior champions. He sat down with Michael McMullan to recall a decorated career. PAUL McFlynn talks about football in the same manner he played, with utter calmness. The words and memories […]
Derry go nine games unbeaten as late Rogers strike sink the Dubs
Allianz NFL Round 5 Derry 1-11 Dublin 0-13 By Michael McMullan A LAST gasp Brendan Rogers point kicked Derry victory in a pulsating finish against Dublin at a packed Celtic Park on Saturday night. Advertisement The Oakleafers, who trailed by six points early in the second half, are now nine games unbeaten since last year’s […]
IN FOCUS: Under the skin – Eoin Bradley
Eoin Bradley’s career has went around a few corners, but his love for sport has never waned. Michael McMullan went to meet him… IT’S Friday morning in Glenullin and Eoin Bradley is buzzing. Football has dominated his life and nothing has changed. Noel Trainor, the club’s 1985 championship winning goalkeeper, greets him on arrival. Sunday […]
DERRY PREVIEWS: Glen hoping to cross another ‘Bridge
THE championship weekends are nearing a close. The semi-finals of the senior and intermediate football championships are down for decision. Craigbane and Ballerin lock horns in the junior decider, DERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINALS GLEN V NEWBRIDGE Saturday, Owenbeg, 6.45pm THE manner of their second half win over Magherafelt laid down a statement that […]
Former Derry stars pay tribute to Brian Mullins
By Niall Gartland TWO former Derry players have paid tribute to one of the game’s legendary figures, Brian Mullins, who passed away last Friday at the age of 68. Mullins had a successful playing career with Dublin, winning four All-Ireland medals and playing in nine finals, but he also made his mark as manager of […]