By Michael McMullan FOR the first time in 25 years, Newbridge stepped into a new season to defend the John McLaughlin Cup after their magical 2024 journey. This year’s Derry’s format will be different. They’ve waved goodbye to the group format in favour of a return to the backdoor with the draw coming in the […]
Farney squad named ahead to clash with Leinster champions Louth
May 23, 2025
MONAGHAN manager Gabriel Bannigan is able to call on Killian Lavelle in this weekend’s All-Ireland SFC clash with Louth in Newbridge. Lavelle has been named on the bench while there is return for Louis Kelly to bolster their defensive options. There is one change to the starting team with Jack McCarron listed ahead to Ryan […]
Gentleman Jim releases his memoirs
November 15, 2024
Jim McKeever was one of the all-time greats. A book, including many of his own words, will be launched next week By Michael McMullan JIM McKeever was one of the greatest footballers of all time. He captained Derry to the 1958 All-Ireland final in a season where he was honoured as player of the year. […]
We didn’t panic says Clann Éireann captain McConville
November 14, 2024
By Michael McMullan CLANN Éireann captain Conor McConville pointed to their control in tight corners this season and its importance in Sunday’s win over Derry champions Newbridge. The sides were level five times during the second half and Clann Éireann had to dig in when Newbridge – led by Derry star Conor Doherty – overcame […]
Lavery not taking Newbridge lightly
November 9, 2024
By Shaun Casey CLANN Éireann won’t be taking anything for granted when they take on Derry champions Newbridge at Celtic Park this Sunday in the opening round of the Ulster Championship, says boss Ruairi Lavery. Newbridge upset the odds in the Oakleaf County, overcoming Derry, Ulster and All-Ireland champions Glen in the final. While many […]
KEVIN CASSIDY: Christmas has come early
November 7, 2024
JUST as I was about to finish this week’s piece the earth-shattering news broke that Micheal Murphy has returned to the Donegal camp. Rumours had been floating about for a number of weeks and I have to admit when I saw him on TV during the interprovincials last month, I noticed he has trimmed down a […]
McGrogan philosophical about long-term injury
November 7, 2024
By Niall Gartland PADRAIG McGrogan will kick every ball as Newbridge take to the provincial stage in Sunday’s Ulster Senior Championship quarter-final clash against Clann Éireann. McGrogan was forced to sit out his club’s surge to a first Derry Senior Championship title in a full three-and-half decades, culminating in the dethroning of All-Ireland kingpins Glen […]
KEVIN CASSIDY: The Ulster club race has been blown wide open
October 31, 2024
WHEN my Gaoth Dobhair team were fortunate enough to be still in competition at this time of year, we used to love these few months. There is something special about still training this time of year, because that means that you are on the verge of doing something extraordinary. Most county finals are played at this […]
Conor McGrogan savours ‘unbelievable’ title triumph
October 31, 2024
By Niall Gartland A MAGICAL moment captured for posterity. Conor McGrogan sank to his knees and embraced Mark and Conleith, also of the McGrogan stable, at the final whistle of a long-awaited Derry Senior Championship triumph for Newbridge. Not only had the O’Leary’s clinched their first senior title in 35 years, but they’d done so […]
Bridging the generations: The story of Newbridge’s return to county final day
October 24, 2024
Lawrence Walls played senior football for Newbridge across four decades. His nephew Declan McKeever is the oldest player on the current squad. Both men are buzzing. Michael McMullan went to meet them. A WAIT of 33 years is down to just nine days. If at all possible, football talk is even more dominant around […]