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 […]


Derry name minor team for All-Ireland semi-final date with the Dubs


By Michael McMullan DERRY manager Damian McErlain has named his side for Sunday’s All-Ireland MFC semi-final with Dublin (BOX-IT Athletic Grounds 5.30pm) The side shows no change from their 1-13 to 0-4 win over reigning champions Galway in the quarter-final. Both teams are unbeaten in this year’s championship, but Derry needed extra-time and penalties in […]


McErlain happy with Derry mentality


By Michael McMullan DERRY minor manager Damian McErlain has paid tribute to how his young side mentally tuned in for Saturday’s All-Ireland clash with reigning champions Galway. The Oakleafers won their 16th Ulster title last month with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Monaghan and were back with their games faces on at training by […]


Oakleafers’ big task in the west


By Michael McMullan DAMIAN McErlain said Saturday’s All-Ireland minor quarter-final is a “big task” for his Derry side against a Galway team with five of last year’s winning team on board. Saturday’s game (Carrick on Shannon, 3.30pm) is a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland semi-final where Derry lost by a point despite a spirited comeback. McErlain, […]


Donegal test was vital for Oaks ahead of final


By Michael McMullan DERRY’S semi-final battle with Donegal was exactly what his side needed ahead of Sunday’s showdown (Armagh 6pm) with Monaghan, insists Oakleaf minor boss Damian McErlain. The Oakleafers are in their seventh minor decider in nine seasons since McErlain’s class of 2015 – with Shane McGuigan, Conor Glass and Shea Downey on board […]


Barrett: It’s a free hit for Donegal


IT isn’t quite mission impossible, but Donegal manager Luke Barrett recognises that it’ll be no easy task to get the better of Derry in Saturday’s Ulster Minor Championship semi-final. While Donegal scored a victory over Derry in the Ulster Minor League final just a short while ago, it’s been a different story in the championship, […]


McErlain: Seniors showing the way for Derry youngsters


By Shaun Casey SUCCESS breeds success and Derry minor manager Damian McErlain believes the achievement of back-to-back Ulster titles from the senior side can positively drip down to the Oak Leaf youngsters. McErlain’s side meet Donegal in Saturday’s Ulster Minor semi-final, with the chance of getting back to the showpiece for the third time in […]


Semi-final spots up for grabs in minor championship


By Niall Gartland THE group stages are over and the serious stuff is set to begin as the Ulster Minor Championship enters the quarter-final stage this weekend. Only one team has been eliminated after a stream of group stage matches – namely Down, who suffered a number of bruising defeats in the five-team group, while […]