Final warm up weekend awaits in Derry

By Michael McMullan

THERE is nothing to play for this weekend as Derry Division One comes to a tame conclusion.

With Newbridge having secured the title, Castledawson relegated and Ballinderry facing a relegation play-off, everything has been decided.

Now, all eyes are on the championship after Tuesday’s league meeting of Newbridge and Dungiven, who meet in the first round, was called off.

In Division Two, Limavady will be crowned champions if they can beat Greenlough at home with Banagher – who play Foreglen – still in with a shout of the automatic promotion spot at the top.

The second placed team, Banagher or Limavady, will then play Ballinderry to see who plays in the top flight in 2026.

While the football championship kicks into gear on the weekend of August 1617, action begins a week earlier with the first round of the hurling championship where Sleacht Néill are fancied to retain the Fr Collins Cup.

They are paired with Kevin Lynch’s as the group stage format continues. Two groups of four, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.

Lavey and Na Magha are also in the champions’ group with Ballinascreen, Eoghan Rua, Swatragh and Banagher in the other.