Tally looks ahead to his Derry tenure


By Michael McMullan NEW Derry manager Paddy Tally will pencil in rest for whoever needs it and says a strong link across the u-17 and u-20 grades is essential to long-term progress. He points out the difference in conditioning levels between a player coming in from the u-20 grade to a seasoned player with a […]


McErlain hails Derry’s resilience


By Shaun Casey “TO win an All-Ireland, everything has to be right,” said Damian McErlain after his side defeated Armagh by three points to win back-to-back All-Ireland Minor titles for the first time in the county’s history. For large spells, the Orchard County matched McErlain’s youthful team stride for stride, but when the going got tough in […]


Derry motivated to go one step further


Electric Ireland Minor Football Championship Final Derry v Armagh Sunday, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 2pm By Michael McMullan SUNDAY is the final step of James Sargent’s underage Derry career that has been laced with memorable days. They looked to have both hands on the 2023 league title until Donegal’s Eoghan Scott struck for goal. There was […]


McErlain knows what is coming around the final corner


Electric Ireland Minor Football Championship Final Derry v Armagh Sunday, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 2pm By Michael McMullan DERRY minor manager Damian McErlain is under no illusions of the task that awaits his charges in Sunday’s All-Ireland final. Within hours of overseeing his side’s hard fought semi-final win over Kerry, McErlain was on the road again […]


McErlain hails Derry composure as Oakleafers set up third meeting with Armagh


By Michael McMullan DERRY and Armagh will meet in the Electric Ireland All-Ireland minor final later this month, a third meeting of the counties this season. The Oakleafers were comfortable winners over Armagh in the group stages with the Orchard County bouncing back to push them to the pin of their collar in the Ulster […]


Derry must put their best foot forward says McErlain


By Michael McMullan DERRY minors must produce their best performance yet when they take on Kerry in Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final (Mullingar 1.30pm) insists manager Damian McErlain. The reigning champions met the Kingdom in a challenge game during the season and the Derry management know exactly what is coming down the tracks. After digging their heels […]


No minor matter for Ulster duo


By Michael McMullan REIGNING champions Derry and Armagh are both in All-Ireland minor semi-final action this weekend. Derry backed up their Ulster league and championship double with a hard fought win over Dublin after shipping goals at crucial times. Damian McErlain can call on a handful of last year’s starting team against Kerry on Saturday […]


Derry minors hit reset button ahead of All-Ireland defence


By Michael McMullan DAMIAN McErlain has walked the minor path long enough to know how it works. An Ulster winner as a player in 1995, he is now in a fifth season as Derry boss across two stints. After retaining their Ulster title against Armagh, the Oakleafers take on Leinster runners-up Dublin in Saturday’s Electric […]


Derry minor boss praises maturity of his players


By Michael McMullan “IT doesn’t get any easier.” That’s how Derry minor manager Damian McErlain sees the defence of their All-Ireland title. The Oakleafers had to fend off a stern Armagh challenge to retain their Ulster title in Omagh. Eoin Duffy’s goal had Armagh two points ahead after 20 minutes before Derry hit three points […]