Derry's next game in the Conor McGurk Tournament will take place next Tuesday night (19th January) when they play Down at the The Dub.
On Sunday they had a useful 6-11 to 1-14 win over Ulster Intermediate Champions Creggan as Tom McLean continues to put emphasis on match practice in advance of the NHL and Christy Ring competitions.
McLean is going to have to plan without the recently retired trio of Ruairi McCloskey, Kevin and Liam Óg Hinphey. Despite being a native of Dunloy, he was quick to thank them for their effort and commitment to Derry. "I would like to wish the three lads well in their retirement from intercounty hurling. They have been a pleasure to work with at all times. These men have given great service to Derry hurling, from underage right through to all the years they played senior."
Recent comments from Cavan football manager Terry Hyland highlighted the difficulty in combining work with the level of training required at inter county level. At the end of the day it is an amateur game and McLean also realises this.
"They will be a big loss to the Derry hurling squad, but as time moves on priorities change, and these lads now have wives and young families who need their time. I would like to wish them and their families good health and happiness in the future, and also good luck with the rest of their hurling careers with their clubs Kevin Lynch's and Banagher."
In an official press release Brian Smith also pointed out the contribution made by the McCloskey and Hinphey families to Derry GAA. Liam senior's influence on Kevin Lynch's since his arrival from Kilkenny was central to the development of the club. In similar fashion and Sean Roe has been involved in so many capacities in the Banagher club. Both men have passed their passion on.
"The Hinphey and McCloskey families are synonymous with Derry hurling over generations and I have no doubt that Liam, Kevin and Ruairi will come back and pass on their skills and knowledge to future Derry hurlers through their clubs and the county. There would be no finer role models for young players," commented Smith.
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