Cassidy the latest GAA player aiming for a NFL career


By Michael McMullan SLEACHT Néill dual player Jack Cassidy is the latest Irish player aiming for a career in American Football. Cassidy plays in goals in football and had a spell in the Derry squad under Mickey Harte last season. A freetaker as an outfield player in his underage days, he was drafted into the […]


McGarvey calling for more intensity


By Michael McMullan DERRY manager Johnny McGarvey is calling for more intensity from his side ahead of Saturday’s Ulster derby with Down at Owenbeg. The Oakleafers’ boss asked his team to ensure they secured both points from Saturday’s opener with Tyrone. “It will take a better performance for sure against Down,” he said. “Your home […]


McCormack hails the Sleacht Néill ambition


By Michael McMullan SLEACHT Néill hurling manager Paul McCormack insisted his side were ready to push on and never felt the team he inherited was on the wane. Speaking after Sunday’s devastating exit at the hands of Munster champions Sarsfields, the former Armagh dual player was full of praise for his side. McCormack took over as […]


McShane appointed as Antrim u-20 manager


By Michael McMullan ANTRIM have appointed former Sleacht Néill and Tyrone manager Michael McShane as their new u-20 hurling manager. McShane managed his native Ballycastle before a nine-year stint with the Emmet’s where he steered them to the breakthrough in Ulster, with four provincial titles in all. Tyrone won one of the two Nickey Rackard […]


JOHNNY McINTOSH: No distractions for Sleacht Néill


ON the four previous occasions that Sleacht Néill have reached the All-Ireland semi-finals, they’ve always given a really, really good account of themselves. They’ve never been overly lucky with the draw they’ve got. To me, the big thing about this game against Sarsfields is that historically, first time Munster winners tend to just be content […]


Sleacht Néill’s latest All-Ireland adventure


By Michael McMullan SLEACHT Néill hurlers face into the club’s fifth All-Ireland semi-final bidding to smash the glass ceiling to book a first ever appearance in the showpiece. After winning a fifth Ulster Championship – on the back of a 12th successive Derry title – they take on Sarsfields of Cork on Sunday. Their semi-final […]


Sleacht Néill hoping to draw on past All-Ireland experience


By Michael McMullan ULSTER champions Sleacht Néill are “under no illusions” about the battle they’ll face in Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final but are tapping into the experience of their four forays into the national stage. Sleacht Néill take on Munster champions Sarsfields on Sunday bidding to book a first ever hurling final showdown. After a […]


GERARD O’KANE: The Oakleafers have got it right


I HAVE been asked numerous times over the last few weeks about my thoughts on the new Derry management team headed by Paddy Tally. I’ll lay my cards on the table. From the apparent position where Derry were when they seemed to be struggling to fill the post, and with talk in national media of […]


McCormack hails Sleacht Néill’s goal-den touch


By Michael McMullan WHILE Sleacht Néill manager Paul McCormack felt his side needed a goal to pull themselves back into Sunday’s Ulster final, he believed they had the tools to do so. Looking on as Sé McGuigan hit the first goal before Shéa Cassidy added the second – to leave them just two points adrift – […]


Jack Cassidy hails the Sleacht Néill grit after another climb to Ulster’s summit


By Michael McMullan JACK Cassidy offered three words as how Sleacht Néill dug themselves from Portaferry’s pocket to the sheer joy of the club’s fifth Ulster hurling title. Eight points down, they needed goals from Sé McGuigan and Shéa Cassidy to pull themselves back from the jaws of defeat. Towering midfielder Cassidy digs deeper. Still […]