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
July 11, 2023
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
July 8, 2023
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
July 6, 2023
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
July 6, 2023
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
July 1, 2023
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
June 29, 2023
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
June 24, 2023
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
June 23, 2023
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
June 12, 2023
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 […]