Derry championship gets under way

By Michael McMullan

MAGHERAFELT and Sleacht Néill face off in the headline game in this weekend’s Derry Senior Football Championship.

It’s the last of eight first round ties set for Find Insurance Owenbeg with Derry CCC retaining the ‘back door’ format they reintroduced last season.

Sleacht Néill won the league title under manager Austin O’Malley but have been rocked with the news that Ruairí Ó Mianáin’s ACL injury. The dual star picked up an injury at training and faces a lengthy lay-off.

Magherafelt were beaten in last year’s final by Newbridge but still have Louth manager Gavin Devlin as part of their management ticket.

Devlin was Rossa manager last season and joins Stephen Kernan under manager Enda Muldoon, who was part of the management team.

Reigning champions Newbridge will face Kilrea on Friday night. They lost to Dungiven at the same stage last season before bouncing back to retain the John McLaughlin Cup.

Kilrea will be without Paddy Quinn who sustained a serious knee injury on hurling duty with Swatragh last weekend.

There are a number of games that are difficult to call. Bellaghy and Dungiven has the makings of a tight encounter.

Last year’s Ulster intermediate champions Glenullin will face Loup. Steelstown pushed Newbridge to the pin of their collar in last year’s quarter final and they take on Swatragh this weekend.

Ballinascreen and Ballinderry lock horns with little to choose between them.

Former All-Ireland champions Glen face Banagher who won Division Two while Lavey take on Faughanvale who were relegated from the top flight.