No minor matter: Derry and Kerry’s underage story


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 […]


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 […]