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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 […]
McGrogan goal ends two years of Newbridge hurt
By Michael McMullan SHANE McGrogan’s winning goal booked Newbridge’s place in a first county final in 33 years and ended two years of hurt. When Conor Doherty’s point attempt dropped shot, McGrogan flicked to the net to sink Magherafelt in Saturday’s drab semi-final. It was a third semi-final in as many seasons for Newbridge. They […]
McEvoy boost for Magherafelt ahead of championship showdown with Newbridge
By Michael McMullan MAGHERAFELT will be boosted by the return of Derry defender Eoin McEvoy for Saturday’s Derry SFC semi-final showdown with Newbridge. McEvoy, a nominee for Young Player of the Year, missed Sunday’s win over Dungiven due to his AFL trials down under. Magherafelt were 2-6 to 0-7 winners thanks to goals from Declan […]