Derry annouce team for tilt at first u-20 All-Ireland title

By Michael McMullan

DERRY have named their team for Saturday’s All-Ireland U-20 B hurling final with Roscommon in Croke Park (2.45pm).

The Oakleafers go in search of their first success at this grade after losing finals to ten-time winners Kerry (2018) and Meath (2021).

Derry were winners over Mayo and Donegal on their way to Saturday’s showdown with Roscommon putting 12 goals past Tyrone and seeing off champions Down in the semi-final.

Roscommon lost last year’s final having lifted the Richie McElligott Cup on two occasions and have Seán Canning – nephew of former Galway stars Joe and Ollie – in tbeir ranks.

Ryan O’Neill heads up a management team of Martin Birt, Kevin Kelly and John O’Dwyer who have four of the senior panel to call on.

James Friel, Callum O’Kane, Aimon Duffin and Segdae Melaugh have all featured under Johnny McGarvey this year.

They also have captain Jack Cassidy, Ruairí Ó Mianáin and Niall McGonagle from the u-20 football squad beaten in the Ulster final to Down.

Derry have a full hand to pick from and name the same team that accounted for Mayo in the semi-final.

Derry: C McElhinney; J McAllister, M McEldowney, A McBride; N McGonagle, J Friel, A Duffin; C O’Kane, E Boylan; R Ó Mianáin, S Melaugh, J Cassidy (Capt); R Henry, E Cassidy, K Doherty
Subs: P Kelly, O McElhinney, J Brunton, R McNamee, C Bradley, C Murtagh, M McKenna, C Curley, J Dunne, D Doherty, J McCormick, A Rankin, E Kealey, D McGuigan, R Hickey, O Duddy, S Gallagher, R McLaughlin