Sunday is a first meeting of Kerry and Derry at senior level since 2015. Since that, both counties laid strong foundations at underage level. Michael McMullan takes a look… “The transition talk…I think Joe Brolly…Joe Brolly told us the production line was finished in Kerry. Well, Joe Brolly….what d’ya think about that?” – Kieran Donaghy […]
Higgins basks in glory of Derry’s end goal
By Michael McMullan DERRY attacking ace Conall Higgins said a combination of factors made him feel an All-Ireland Minor title was something the squad could accomplish. Higgins was one of five players from last year’s team who were narrowly beaten at the semi-final stage by eventual champions Galway. After missing this year’s semi-final win over […]
Derry’s McGuckian is happy to have finished what he started
By Michael McMullan JOHNNY McGuckian talks about football the same way he plays it. Glint in the eye. Smirk on his face. If a reverse gear exists, it’s not obvious. There is energy you can’t hide. If Derry minors were a hit single, McGuckian would be the chorus. That piece you always remember. Sunday proved […]
McErlain pays tribute to latest Derry crop after finishing what he started
By Michael McMullan SUNDAY was a fitting end to Damian McErlain’s first year back in the driver’s seat of Derry’s minor rollercoaster. With Derry staggering around in the darkness of a 13-year minor famine, he took the reins in the autumn of 2014 to pull together an Ulster winning team that forged a change in […]
Ulster rivals to the four in final
All-Ireland MFC final Derry v Monaghan Sunday, BOX-IT, Athletic Grounds, 1pm Live on TG4 By Shaun Casey FOR the fourth time this season, and the second time with silverware on the line, Monaghan and Derry will lock horns in what should be a fascinating duel to complete the minor championship. The two teams, surely buoyed […]
New game, new challenge for Derry in minor decider
The Derry boss expecting Monaghan to offer a different proposition in a fourth meeting of the teams. By Michael McMullan AS Derry manager Damian McErlain journeyed towards Tullamore, he knew it was going to be a fourth showdown with Monaghan if his Derry side negotiated Dublin 24 hours later in their half of the semi-final […]
McEldowney expecting an electric atmosphere in minor final
By Michael McMullan EVERY young player wants to play in Croke Park and Fionn McEldowney is no different, but the Derry minor skipper feels it’s the right decision to take the All-Ireland minor final to Armagh. Sunday’s game (BOX-IT Athletic Grounds 1pm) will be the Oaks’ fourth meeting with Monaghan this year and McEldowney knows […]
Full cycle of development makes Derry an easier sell
By Michael McMullan DERRY minor manager Damian McErlain insists the county senior footballers’ upward curve has morphed interest in football across the county into “a different animal”. Speaking ahead of his side’s final week of preparation for Sunday week’s All-Ireland minor final showdown with Monaghan, McErlain – a former senior manager – has noticed first-hand […]
McErlain not surprised to see familiar face in decider
By Michael McMullan DERRY have one more step to make in pursuit of the county’s sixth All-Ireland minor title and it’s a familiar one. Sunday weeks’ all-Ulster showdown (BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 1pm) is Derry’s fourth meeting of the season with Monaghan. Oakleafers’ manager Damian McErlain expected a “quality” Farney side to get the job done […]
Derry prepare for significant challenge
By Michael McMullan DERRY minor manager Damian McErlain is full of praise for his side’s development and maturity but ranks unbeaten Dublin a “significant challenge” in Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final (BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 5.30pm). “The boys are in good form and looking forward to the challenge that is ahead,” McErlain said of the mood in the […]