Doran returns to Sleacht Néill

SLEACHT Néill have re-appointed Mark Doran as their senior football manager.

Doran had initially stepped away after two seasons in charge but is back on board ahead of the 2025 campaign.

The former Down player is currently coaching Roscommon who are pressing for promotion back to Division One.

He managed Ballybay to the Monaghan title before taking over in Sleacht Néill.

Doran’s return to Emmet Park completes the managerial posts for the season ahead.

Former Donegal All-Ireland winner Rory Kavanagh took over Malachy O’Rourke in Glen with Gavin Devlin now in charge of 2019 champions Magherafelt.

The Emmets are seeking a first Derry title since 2020 after being pipped by neighbours Glen in the last two seasons.

There will be a new championship format in the Oakleaf County this season after they shelved the group stages.

The competition is back to 16 teams but there will be a back door, something Derry CCC had in place in the past.

Similar to the Down SFC, every team will have at least two championship games.

After Round One, the winning teams will play off to book a quarter-final spot. Teams losing a second game will be knocked out, leaving eight teams playing off for the other four quarter-final places.

Newbridge are the defending champions after an historic season when Ciaran Brooks kicked a dramatic winner to win the title in the dying members of the final against then All-Ireland champions Glen.