WHEN asked by Gaelic Life’s Michael McMullan what he learnt from last year’s National League, Rory Gallagher replied “I learnt that we weren’t prepared enough for it. We weren’t focused well enough and we weren’t hungry enough.” A normal, standard response from a GAA manager – preparation, focus, hunger. For the first two (preparation and […]
A ‘Wee’ trip for unbeaten Derry
By Michael McMullan DERRY take their 2023 five-game unbeaten run to Ardee on Sunday (2pm) aiming for a second league win when they take on Mickey Harte’s Louth. The Wee County were stung by a late, late Jamie Malone winner in Ennis last weekend after leading by Ciaran Downey’s goal as the game headed down […]
Gallagher feels there is more to come to meet high standards
By Michael McMullan DERRY manager Rory Gallagher feels there is more to come from his squad to meet their ” high standards” after Saturday’s 12-point win over Limerick. It was a game that saw Conor Glass captain Derry at senior level for the first time, with Glen’s Ethan Doherty also getting a first start of […]
McKenna Cup helps Derry’s winning mentality
By Michael McMullan CONOR McCluskey feels Derry’s McKenna Cup triumph was perfect to get into a “winning mentality” ahead of their league campaign that gets underway at home to Limerick on Saturday (3pm) at Owenbeg. The Magherafelt defender feels it is important to win every game regardless of the competition and insists promotion is a […]
Derry weren’t prepared well enough for 2022 league: Gallagher
By Michael McMullan DERRY weren’t prepared enough for last year’s league insists manager Rory Gallagher ahead of Saturday’s visit of Limerick to get the 2023 campaign up and running. The Oakleafers had eight points from their first four games last year before being held to a draw in Roscommon in a game that saw Shane […]
Every game is a must win for Oakleafers insists Cassidy
By Michael McMullan DERRY’S Paul Cassidy was named Man of the Match in Saturday’s McKenna Cup win over Tyrone but his mind was already looking into the future. It was Cassidy’s left peg that kicked Derry back in front after Tyrone’s 1-3 salvo tied the game early in the second half on Saturday evening. Derry […]
Derry power their way to a first McKenna Cup title since 2011
Dr McKenna Cup final Derry 3-11 Tyrone 1-5 By Michael McMullan THREE second half goals shot Derry to a 12th McKenna Cup after a rampant performance on Saturday night. Advertisement The Oaks had the wind at their back and led 0-7 to 0-1 before Tyrone pulled themselves back into the game thanks to a Darren McCurry […]
DERBY DAY DUELS
2023 McKenna Cup R3 Derry 0-10 Tyrone 0-10 The latest chapter in this storied rivalry, if any game summed up Derry’s intentions to replace Tyrone as the noisy neighbours, it was this one. In years gone by, the Oak Leaf County would have fallen away as Tyrone gained the upper hand, but not Rory […]
Another test awaits ahead of league opener
By Michael McMullan SATURDAY evening’s McKenna Cup final against neighbours Tyrone will be a “good test” for Derry, but manager Rory Gallagher has his eyes locked on the start of the league seven days later. It will be the second meeting of Ulster’s great rivals in 10 days and Rory Gallagher has already hinted at […]
Gallagher calling for more hunger and desire for the year ahead
By Michael McMullan DERRY may have won their first Ulster title in 24 years last season and narrowly missed out on promotion to the top flight, but manager Rory Gallagher has generalised what success will look like for the Oakleafers in 2023. Speaking minutes after Lachlan Murray’s wonder score to grab a draw against Tyrone […]