By Michael McMullan DERRY manager Rory Gallagher looks to have a full bill of health as the Oakleafers embark on the final step of their Ulster title defence against Armagh on Sunday. Gallagher didn’t have access to u-20 trio Mark Doherty, Matthew Downey and Niall O’Donnell for their semi-final over the Farney men due to […]
FEATURE: Diarmuid Scullion – a foot in either county
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April 27, 2023
Derry man Diarmuid Scullion has coached in his own county and is in his fourth year with Scotstown seniors where he now lives. Michael McMullan asked him about both counties and their development. BORN in Bellaghy, Diarmuid Scullion has a different blue jersey on this radar. Married to Bernie, he has lived in her native […]
MATCH PREVIEW: Champions’ favourites tag will be tested to the max by Monaghan
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April 27, 2023
Ulster SFC semi-final Derry v Monaghan Saturday, O’Neill’s Healy Park, 5pm By Michael McMullan RYAN O’Toole. What a man. The Scotstown defender’s wonder strike shot the Farney County into Saturday’s repeat of last year’s semi-final and another clash with reigning champions Derry. As a story, it will take some beating in Ulster this summer. Advertisement […]
Former ‘keeper Gillis not shocked by progress of Derry’s young guns
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April 27, 2023
By Michael McMullan FORMER Derry goalkeeper Barry Gillis is not surprised the underage production line has helped push the county up the footballing ladder. He feels the Oakleafers have pushed on since last year but Rory Beggan’s range of kicking will keep Derry guessing on Saturday at O’Neill’s Healy Park. Ironically it was Gillis who […]
Quickfire start was crucial for Derry says Rogers
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April 20, 2023
By Michael McMullan A QUICK-FIRE start against Fermanagh on Saturday gave Derry the opportunity to get their key men on the front foot says Brendan Rogers. The Sleacht Néill man said a line was quickly drawn under their Dublin league final defeat ahead of the championship. Derry’s analysis came down to two elements. The Oakleafers […]
Meenagh feels O’Hanlon will keep his spot over returning Cluxton
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March 30, 2023
By Michael McMullan DERRY assistant manager Ciaran Meenagh isn’t expecting eight-time All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton to dislodge David O’Hanlon ahead of Sunday’s Division Two league final. The 41-year-old made a surprise return to ease a goalkeeping injury crisis in Dessie Farrell’s squad, news that filtered into the Derry camp before their draw with Cork. […]
Gaelic Life All-Stars Club Footballer of the Year (Ryan Dougan – Glen)
March 20, 2023
OUR Footballer of the Year couldn’t make the All-Stars last Friday night – but he had a perfectly valid excuse. Teak-tough Glen defender Ryan Dougan is currently spending a bit of time in Bali, Indonesia, but he joined us on video call for a quick chat about the 2022 season. There were plenty of good […]
IN FOCUS – Paul McFlynn: A stylish side of calm
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March 9, 2023
Paul McFlynn was a mainstay in the Derry senior team for ten years and part of Loup’s success story from underage promise to Ulster senior champions. He sat down with Michael McMullan to recall a decorated career. PAUL McFlynn talks about football in the same manner he played, with utter calmness. The words and memories […]
Derry go nine games unbeaten as late Rogers strike sink the Dubs
March 4, 2023
Allianz NFL Round 5 Derry 1-11 Dublin 0-13 By Michael McMullan A LAST gasp Brendan Rogers point kicked Derry victory in a pulsating finish against Dublin at a packed Celtic Park on Saturday night. Advertisement The Oakleafers, who trailed by six points early in the second half, are now nine games unbeaten since last year’s […]
IN FOCUS: Under the skin – Eoin Bradley
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October 13, 2022
Eoin Bradley’s career has went around a few corners, but his love for sport has never waned. Michael McMullan went to meet him… IT’S Friday morning in Glenullin and Eoin Bradley is buzzing. Football has dominated his life and nothing has changed. Noel Trainor, the club’s 1985 championship winning goalkeeper, greets him on arrival. Sunday […]