THERE  are a number of changes to Rory Gallagher’s panel this year of note.

One of the big ones is the return of Gareth McKinless, the Ballinderry defender. He was part of the panel in the early part of 2020 but dropped off it. He has been in and out of the squad for the past six years, and will bring vast experience of playing at club and county.

There are a few departures. Alex Doherty, the talented  Glen attacker, has not committed to the squad. He was part of those brilliantly successful Glen teams which won a string of minor and u-21 Ulster Club titles. He was also part of the Derry minor team that reached the All-Ireland final in 2017.

Meanwhile, Castledawson’s Niall Keenan is studying in England and has been unable to commit to the squad.

Gallagher will also be pleased that he is going to get a full season out of Conor Glass.

The Glen man had been playing AFL in Australia but returned to Ireland after his contract with Hawthorn ran out. He was able to take part in last year’s Ulster Championship with Derry. He’ll be available from the start of the year.