Richie Mullan will captain Derry U’20 hurlers for their 2019 All-Ireland campaign.

The Kevin Lynch’s clubman played a central role in the Oakleaf senior team which reached the Christy Ring semi-final before falling at the feet of eventual winners, Meath.

He will be ably assisted by vice captains, Reece McSorley (Ballinascreen) and Tiarnan Walsh (Swatragh).

The Oakleafers open their account with a last four clash against Down after Tyrone forfeited the last eight clash.

Derry will hope to go one better than last years campaign when they lost out to Kerry in the final.

Owenbeg will host the meeting of Derry and Down on Saturday with a throw in time of 5pm.