Club Derry Under 17's Show Grit

Today the Club Derry Under 17's took part in their first Ulster blitz of the season. Derry were pitted against Down and Donegal in the blitz that took part in Ballymaguigan.

This was one of three blitz's that took place today. The top teams all qualify for for a final blitz on the 11th September. The second place teams come together to take part in the plate and the third place teams in a shield.

In the first game of the day Down beat Donegal with a few points to spare.

Derry then played Donegal at the 1.30pm throw in. The Derry team that started the Donegal game was as follows:

1. Niall Callan - Doire Trasna

2. Damian Barr - Slaughtmanus

3. Paul O'Kane - Magherafelt

4. Kieran McIntyre - Glack

5. Chrissy Henry - Ballymaguigan

6. Ferghal Shivers - Newbridge

7. Michael Kerr - Magherafelt

8. Ruairi Leonard - Coleraine

9. Conor Rafferty - Magherafelt

10. Adrian Trainor - Desertmartin

11. Stephen Lagan - Magherafelt

12. Eoghan Dooher - Ardmore

13. Antone McElhone - Magherafelt

14. Martin Downey - Ballymaguigan

15. Anthony O'Neill - Loup

Derry got off to a shaky start and found themselves 4 points down at half time, however after the lads regroup at the interval they got a grip on the game and didn't let it slip. Derry ran out winners 2-10 to Donegal's 3-05

The second game against Down came very quick after the first 50 minutes and it would be fair to say that the Derry players felt the effects.

The starting team vs Down was:

1. Niall Callan - Doire Trasna

2. Damian Barr - Slaughtmanus

3. Paul O'Kane - Magherafelt

4. Kieran McIntyre - Glack

5. Chrissy Henry - Ballymaguigan

6. Michael Warnock - Glen

7. Michael Kerr - Magherafelt

8. Ruairi Leonard - Coleraine

9. Conor Rafferty - Magherafelt

10. Anthony O'Neill - Loup

11. Martin Downey - Ballymaguigan

12. Ferghal Shivers - Newbridge

13. Antone McElhone - Magherafelt

14. Stephen Lagan - Magherafelt

15. Dermot McWilliams - Kilrea

Derry gifted Down an early goal and it took them 15 minutes of the first have to get the ball out of their own half, it was a terrible start that found Derry 7 points down at the interval. Much of the same for this half time talk again and needless to say the Derry players responded excellently, they gradually got back into the game and had Down hanging on. Derry ran out 1 point winners on a scoreline of 2-11 to 3-07.

We were missing a lot of players today for numerous reasons but the 17 players we had showed unbelievable fighting spirit. A special mention must got to Niall Callan who gratefully step in between the sticks as our two Goal keepers were both out injured.

Club Derry Under 17 Football Development Squad

On Saturday 8th August in Owenbeg Dungiven it was the turn of the U-17 Development Squads to take part in a Blitz organised by the Ulster Council.
With the exception of Armagh and Monaghan all other 7 Counties took part in the Blitz which meant every County had an opportunity to play each other.
After a great days football, Cavan (won 4 drew 2) and Fermanagh (won 5 lost 1) would have to be very pleased with their performances in which all 7 Counties expressed that the day was very worth-while.

Derry were missing a few players due to club championship commitments but this year has been very good for the players who have certainly improved thanks to the hard work of their coaches namely Paul Simpson, Richard Ferris and Declan Toner. Thanks lads for all your efforts!

Club Derry U17 Football Development Squad

Due to the McCormick Cup in Owenbeg on Saturday 11th July the next Under 17 session will be on Saturday 25th July. The following players are to arrive at Ballymaguigan at 11.00am.
All players are asked to bring their own Derry shorts and socks. If a player listed below can’t make it for whatever reason they should contact Richard Ferris 07870988138.

A Devlin, D McKindless, M Devlin, T Martin, C Rocks, F Bell, R Bell (Ballinderry)

C Gilmore K Conway,D Convery (Ballinascreen)

K Scullion, O McPeake (Bellaghy)

J Bradley, S Óg McGroogan, E Bradley (Glen)

A McGurk, S Conway (Lavey)

C Devlin, P Love, R O’Kane, A O’Neill (Loup)

C Deery (Slaughtmanus)

E McDaid, B Scallon A Taggert, C Beats (Steelstown)

C Young (Castledawson)

G Kelly, O Doherty (Doire Trasna)

C Mullan, C Ferris, C Friel (Drumsurn)

M Burke, K Farren, B Óg McGilligan, T Hendy (Dungiven)

T Rafferty, B Quigg, J Kielt (Kilrea)

N McKeever, M McCloskey (Limavady)

C Kearns, R Ferris, P McCusker, F Duffin C Spiers (Magherafelt)

K McKeague (Slaughtneil)

A Trainor, M Breen, D Murray (Desertmartin)

R Moore M Sharkey,D Lowry (Craigbane)

N Rocks (Newbridge)

C Sheerin, E Mc Feely (Foreglen)

C Clyde, S Kerrigan (Claudy)

S Mullan (Ballerin)

C Mellon (Greenlough

Club Derry Development Squad to hold summer trials

DERRY minor manager Richard Ferris will hold trials on Saturday 20th of June for under-17s not currently on the development squad as the preparations for 2010 begin.
Drumsurn man Ferris, whose minors fell agonisingly short in their Ulster championship clash with Monaghan last month is planning for next year, with trials for those wishing to join the under-17 panel, who have not been working along with this year’s minor panel since training began in March, to be held on Saturday 20 June at Glen (11am).
“This will cut down on the trials needed at the start of next year. I’d rather trial the boys when they’re playing competitive football than in the wind and rain in January and February, when they’re not active. Anyone who thinks they’re in with a shot should come along,” said Ferris.
Now that the minors’ season is finished, the onus falls on their young counterparts, some of whom were involved against the Farney men.
Ferris has appealed for his players to give themselves a head start ahead of the 2010 campaign, and asked that anyone who needs transported to get in contact with him.
“We’re already looking forward to 2010 and we want to get the boys ready for it before the football finishes this season. We want to put a foundation there in terms of strength and conditioning, and we want the strongest possible panel to be available to us for under-17 blitzes in August,” added the All-Ireland ’93 winner.
“It’s very important that the elite players at the top clubs buy into the development squad system. I’d appeal to the clubs and coaches to make sure that their players are there. The development squads have a big future, with the work that Chris Collins [Games Development Manager] and Club Derry are doing.”

Notice for current under-17 players
The following players are to arrive at Drumsurn on Saturday 13th June time 11.00am.
All players are asked to bring their own Derry shorts and socks. If a player listed below can’t make it for whatever reason, or they require transport, they should contact Richard Ferris 07870988138.
Aaron Devlin, Daniel McKindless, Martin Devlin, Tony Martin, Canice Rocks, Fintan Bell, Ryan Bell (Ballinderry), Charles Gilmore Kieran Conway,Dominic Convery (Ballinascreen), Kevin Scullion, Orrie McPeake (Bellaghy), Joe Bradley, Sean Óg McGroogan, Emmett Bradley (Glen), Anthony McGurk, Sean Conway (Lavey), Ciaran Devlin, Philip Love, Roddy O’Kane, Anthony O’Neill (Loup), Cathal Deery (Slaughtmanus), Emmett McDaid, Brian Scallon (Steelstown), Ciarán Young (Castledawson), Gavin Kelly, Owen Doherty (Doire Trasna), Cahir Mullan, Ciaran Ferris, Cahir Friel (Drumsurn), Martin Burke, Kevin Farren, Brian Óg McGilligan (Dungiven), Tiarnan Rafferty, Benny Quigg, Jack Kielt (Kilrea), Niall McKeever, Martin McCloskey (Limavady), Conor Kearns, Ryan Ferris, Philip McCusker, Fergal Duffin (Magherafelt), Karl McKeague (Slaughtneil), Aidan Trainor, Martin Breen, Declan Murray (Desertmartin), Rory Moore (Craigbane), Nathan Rocks (Newbridge), Conrad Sheerin (Foreglen)

Club Derry Under 17 Football Development Squad

The following players are to arrive at Drumsurn on Saturday 13th June time 11.00am.
All players are asked to bring their own Derry shorts and socks. If a player listed below can’t make it for whatever reason they should contact Richard Ferris 07870988138

Aron Devlin
Ciarán Young
Daniel Mc Kindless
Martin Devlin
Gavin Kelly
Tony Martin
Owen Doherty
Canice Rocks
Fintan Bell
Cahir Mullan
Ciaran Ferris
Charles Gilmore
Martin Burke
Kevin Scullion
Martin Mc Closkey
Orrie Mc Peake
Kevin Farren
Joe Bradley
Tieran Rafferty
Sean Og Mc Groggan
Benny Quigg
Anthnoy Mc Gurk
Nial Mc Keever
Ciaran Devlin
Conor Kearns
Phillip Love
Ryan Ferris
Roddy O Kane
Philip Mc Cusker
Cathal Deery
Karl Mc Keague
Emmett Mc Daid

Derry Under 17's

The following players are to arrive at Ogra Colmcille on Saturday 30th May time 11.00am.
Derry U17s V Armagh U17s. All players are asked to bring their own Derry shorts and socks.If a player listed below can’t make it for whatever reason they should contact Brian Smith 07918703912 or Declan Toner 07746434520

Anthnoy Mc Gurk
Aron Devlin
Cahir Mullan
Charles Gilmore
Ciaran Devlin
Ciaran Ferris
Conor Kearns
Daniel Mc Kindless
Gavin Kelly
Karl Mc Keague
Kevin Scullion
Martin Burke
Martin Devlin
Martin Mc Closkey
Nial Mc Keever
Orrie Mc Peake
Philip Mc Cusker
Tony Martin
Ciarán Young
Joe Bradley
Owen Doherty
Cathal Deery
Tieran Rafferty
Phillip Love
Roddy O Kane
Emmett Mc Daid
Sean Og Mc Groggan
Kevin Farren
Canice Rocks
Fintan Bell
Ryan Ferris
Benny Quigg

Football Development Squads in Action

Today each one of the Club Derry Football Development Squads are in action. The Under 16's and 17's will play eachother at Drumsurn at 11.00am.
I'm heading to Monaghan with the Under 15's who take part in their first Ulster Council blitz, the panel is:
Ardmore: Dan England; Claudy: Ciaran McCloskey; Ballinascreen: Paul Burns; Ballinderry: Gareth McKinless, Ryan Bell; Ballymaguigan: Jerome Downey; Banagher: Tiernan McCloskey; Bellaghy: Declan Brown, Dominic McFaul, Karl O’Neill, Kieran McPeake, Peter Cassidy; Craigbane: Ryan Moore; Doire Colmcille: Emmett McBride; Drum: Conor O’Reilly; Drumsurn: Daryl Mullan; Dungiven: Conor Murphy; Foreglen: Shane Feeney; Glen: Ciaran McFaul, Conor Carville, Conor Gallagher, Ryan McDonald, Ryan Duggan; Glenullin: Neil McNicholl, Enda Mullan; Kilrea: Niall Gorman, Odhran Rafferty; Limavady: Dessie Loughrey; Magherafelt: Ciaran Moore, Fintan Kerr, Matthew Higgins, Osisin Moran, Shane Heavron; Slaughtmanus: Jack McConomy, Jarlaith Canning, Kevin King; Slaughtneil: Gerard Bradley, Padraig Cassidy; Swatragh: Conor McAtamney, James Kearney, Martin McKeague

The lads first game is at 11.30 against Tyrone, they will also play Monaghan, Armagh and Antrim. We are very excited about this panel of players so it will be interesting to see how they fair out against the other counties.

Derry Minor Football & Under 17 Panels

Here are the two panels for 2009:

DERRY U18s
Dermont Mulholland Eunan O Hara
Eoin Anderson Caolan Thompson
Eamon Wilson Gerard Burke
Ruairi O Kane Paul Quinn
Cathal O Hara Eamon Mc Nicholl
Kevin Francis Hugh Henry
Michael Mc Glade Ciaran Diamond
Mark Mc Atamney Eoin Mc Gahon
Sean O Kane Colm Mc Goldrick
Donal Mc Gilligan Christopher Deery
Brendan Herron Paul Keane
Emmett Mc Killion Kevin O Neill S/Neill
Paul Ferris Emmett Mc Guckin
Gavin O Neill Gavin Mc Williams
Stephan Kerlin Kevin O Neill
Sean Murray Paddy Mc Neill
Patrick Draine Connlan Bradley
Thomas Mc Erlean Paddy Kelly
Christopher Kearney

DERRY U17s
Daniel Mc Kindless Canice Rocks
Connor Mc Larnon Cahir Mullan
Martin Mc Closkey Fintan Bell
Padraig Kielt Kevin Scullion
Martin Devlin Aron Devlin
Anthony Mc Gurk Conor Kearns
Emmett Mc Geehan Tony Martin
Ciaran Brooks Ciaran Devlin
Charles Gilmore Karl Mc Keague
Conard Sheerin Orrie Mc Peake
Gavin Kelly Nial Mc Keever
Ciaran Ferris Kelvin White
Martin Burke Philip McCusker

Talk about developing players! That's 63 players. Some might argue it's too much but I'm sure Richard know's what he's doing, he has already said he is going to delegate a lot to the coaches he has and he won't be affraid to bring outside coaches in for the odd session to mix it up. The door is not going to be closed to any player this year, so if you haven't made this cut make sure and impress within your club.

Busy weekend for Football Development Squads

On Friday 6th March the Under 17 Development squad will have their first coaching session in Owenbeg at 7.30pm. Tony Scullion will be delivering the session. It is also a CPD programme, so club coaches have the opportunity to come over and see Tony at work. The session will be on "Games to Develop Football". I'm really looking forward to the session for two reasons; Tony is a class coach and you can be sure to pick up plenty of stuff from his sessions and secondly this will be the first outing for the Under 17 minor recruits. I haven't seen the final panel yet but I was over at one of the earlier trials and there were some excellent players on show.

On Saturday morning we have our first Under 15 and 16 trials. The coaches for 2009 are all raring to go and I am expecting the quality to be exceptional. So far we only have a few clubs who have submitted their players for the trial so please remember to get them to ccollins@derry.gaa.ie before Wednesday. There was a few queries in the guestbook regarding only be able to register three players per club. If some of the teams playing A football feel they have more players good enough then it will be no problem getting them a trial just submit the names, position and DOB.