Senior Derry clubs looking ahead

Paddy Downey

Banagher have appointed Bellaghy man Paddy Downey as their manager for the 2016 season. He takes over from outgoing manager Brian Burns.  Downey is the holder of an Ulster Club medal in 1994 during Bellaghy's period of dominance and has managed both Moneyglass and Foreglen to Intermediate titles.

 Downey's Bellaghy colleague Joe Cassidy is back on board with Greenlough next season after sweeping the board with all intermediate and reserve titles last season and will have his trusty lieutenant Oran O'Kane with him.

Former Armagh player John Rafferty is back for a third year with the Tones.  As a player he won a Sigerson with St Mary’s alongside Danny Quinn and he brings a wealth of county experience from his involvement with Kildare and Armagh. 

Derrylaughan native Kevin Coary takes up the reigns in Magherafelt after taking over mid season and after pushing Slaughtneil to the pin of their collar last season, they will be hoping to translate their underage talent into a push for senior honours.

After steering them to promotion, Michael O'Kane will take Claudy back into senior football for the first time since 1994 and will have Peter McDermott along with him. O’Kane has experience from managing Glenullin as well as Antrim teams Tir nA nOg and Portglenone.

Enda Gormley is back in charge at Glen aiming to steer his underage success into the senior ranks.  The former Derry All-Ireland winner is currently preparing for the Ulster U21 championship which will take place in Creggan in the New Year.



Another member of that 1990s Bellaghy team Jude Donnelly will continue as manager of their neighbours Lavey where he now resides.  He has been involved in coaching Derry underage squads in recent years and coached Greenlough to the 2008 Intermediate championship.



Johnny McBride

Ballinderry have brought back the tried and tested Martin McKinless for another term.  The Shamrocks are consistently winning and challenging for championships and McKinless knows exactly what it takes to deliver.

Their neighbours in Loup have appointed their legendary former Derry player Johnny McBride to take charge of their senior team next season and build on their run to the U21 final.  McBride had a very successful playing career, being captain of the various teams he played for and is highly respected in the club.