McKinley ready for Derry’s derby with Donegal

By Kieran Lynch

THE Derry hurlers have made a flying start to joint-managers Dominic McKinley and Cormac Donnelly’s second year in charge, having won three from three to start the league.

When speaking to Gaelic Life ahead of this Sunday’s clash with Donegal in Letterkenny, McKinley put the upturn in form down to heightened levels of commitment within the county for 2022.

“We can have no complaints. Things are a lot different this year,” he said.

“We have a good squad of players now, and they’re all being honest and dedicated and committed to each other, which is very important. And so far, things are going quite well, but we know how easy that can turn.”

With the Oakleaf performing so well, it is remarkable to think that he and Donnelly had considered stepping away after last year, but McKinley admitted that was the case due to commitment levels being so poor. However, he does now feel that they are in a ‘happier place,’ this season.

“It all goes back to the start. It was about getting a group of players and creating an environment for them to go out and express themselves as players, and we feel as though we’re in a happier place for us.

“Every night we’re going to training and we have 30-odd players, whereas last year at training we would get 20 players at training, or maybe less than that. At the end of last year, Cormac and me both questioned what we were doing: is there any need for us being here? What impact are we having?

“Because, at the end of the day, if the players don’t turn up, anybody can do that job, and I personally wouldn’t stay in a job like that.

“Things have changed because we approached a lot of the club hurling managers at the start of the year and asked them for their input, and we asked them to help us get the players in that we wanted. That helped big time, and we’re very grateful to all of them.”

In the league, Derry opened their campaign with a crucial 2-14 to 1-14 win over Sligo, but it was their win last weekend, a 4-24 to 1-14 steamrolling of Mayo, which was showcased their attacking ability.

“There’s no doubt about that,” said McKinley, on the win being a statement of their strong forward-play.

“This is our second year now, and we’re getting a bit more control in games, and we’re raking up good scores.

“I always believe that if you can’t score, you’re not going to win games. It’s about rotating the ball and people taking shots from the right places. Me and Cormac want them to play to a certain system, and they will play to that system irrespective of what goes on, and results have followed.”

Up next is a key game in the promotion-hunt, as Derry travel to neighbours Donegal, in what could be a decisive game in deciding who confirms their place in the league final.

“It’s going to be tough, but we’ll approach it no different to any other match,” said McKinley.

“Both are sitting on six points, so something has to give. It’ll be an interesting tie, to see where we’re at and it’s an important game for both sides, because the winner of it will probably go straight into the final of the league.

“So, there’s a lot at stake, and we’ll be going out to try and win the game, make no doubt about that.”

MORE…Kevin Hinphey on Derry hurling. Click here…