Derry book launched featuring 25 players and their most iconic game

FORMER stars of Derry GAA launched a new book charting the county’s footballing history last week

Written by Gaelic Life journalist Michael McMullan and published by Hero Books, Derry: Game of my Life looks back at the iconic games of 25 Derry stars.

From Gerry O’Loughlin’s debut in the McKenna Cup to Damian Barton looking out at the rain of Clones in ’93 to Brian McGilligan making his name in 1987, it has a taste of everything.

There is a club theme with Paddy Bradley kicking the winner for Glenullin in the 2007 final replay. There is also a delve into Paul McFlynn’s 2003 Loup adventure.

Kevin McGuckin tells the story of Ballinderry losing the 2010 final before lifting the John McLaughlin Cup 12 months later to kick-start a three-in-a-row journey.

There is a theme of Derry’s 1993 win and Eamonn Coleman’s fingerprints. The back-to-back stars of the 1970s also tell their story.

Dermot McNicholl recalls being tasked with playing against the late Brian Conlon in a MacRory Cup final and Tony Scullion recalls his International Rules’ memories on 1990.

Friel’s in Swatragh was the scene for last week’s launch with MC Alan Gunn on the mic for some panel discussions as they delved into some tales from the book.

It was an enjoyable evening where author Michael McMullan spoke of his decision to dedicate the book to his late father-in-law Patsy Kennedy and Patsy’s late brother Mickey.

There is a bit of everything in the book and it will be popular read for Gaels in Derry and across Ulster.

The players featured are: Gerry O’Loughlin, Mickey Niblock, Laurence Diamond, Mickey Lynch, Gerry McElhinney, Brendan Kelly, Anthony McGurk, Dermot McNicholl, Brian McGilligan, Tony Scullion, Plunkett Murphy, Gary Coleman, Damian Cassidy, Anthony Tohill, Damian Barton, Henry Downey, Enda Gormley, Enda Muldoon, Kieran McKeever, Sean Marty Lockhart, Paul McFlynn, Paddy Bradley, Kevin McCloy, Kevin McGuckin and Chrissy McKaigue.

Derry: Game of my Life is on sale in outlets across County Derry or can be ordered via Michael directly – 0777 915 9787 or malmcmullan@hotmail.com