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Sorry we are here on a forum discussing all things Derry GAA surely referees are a major part of that?
Players are discussed, management systems and faults, discipline of individuals and clubs. Fitness levels of players.people ability to play or not to play county football.

The standard of refereeing and give respect get respect initiative surely all overlap into this conversation.
How people behave inside the fence or the white lines generally isn't a reflection of their personality outside the competitive environment.

The thing about discussion forums is sometimes you might not agree or like the discussion.
The don't hurt my feelings brigade will soon take over.

who is a worse referee: Benny Quinn or Paddy Devlin

The common denominator between the two is confrontational arrogance, its seems both go out of their way to upset players and management. Whilst refs have a difficult job, thats universally agreed, these two make a mockery of the slogan 'give respect/get respect'

Having coached teams with Paddy Devlin being the coach of the opposition I can safely say Paddy. The abuse he gives referees from the sideline while coaching is as bad as I've seen/heard.

Contrary to what I've been accused of on here I don't actually think Benny Quinn is the worst referee, he has really good knowledge of the rules, generally is equally as fussy to both teams and has his own pet hates that he's really harsh on.
The only issue I have is that when someone on any team gives him any sort of back chat it gets his back up and you couldn't buy a free.
In his defence I would do exactly the same.

The other thing is he feels the need rightly or wrongly that he should be over everything all over the pitch, puts far to much responsibility on himself to see everything. When players question him, sometimes correctly he will give a free against them for abuse or backchat so its a double slap in the face.

who is a worse referee: Benny Quinn or Paddy Devlin

The common denominator between the two is confrontational arrogance, its seems both go out of their way to upset players and management. Whilst refs have a difficult job, thats universally agreed, these two make a mockery of the slogan 'give respect/get respect'

Paddy Devlin by a mile, the most arrogant individual I have ever met on a sideline and thats when he was coaching.

The abuse he gave minor players on the opposition team was awful, and to be then referring a game they where involved in about 6 weeks later. Needless to say few yellows and couple reds in that game but no point in appealing. These refs have an impossible job you know. New rules and all.

I,too,like Estimator,listened to the Monday Club Podcast and came to the same definite conclusion that Chrissy McKaigue, at least in the short term, does not propose to apply for any managerial or coaching vacancies for either Slaughtneil or any Derry County team at any level. He seemed to suggest, and understandably so,that he found it difficult to manage or coach any players that he might still be playing with or against. So,perhaps, he would like to take over the Derry Senior side in five or six years time when there would be less of a  conflict of interest.To me it would appear that he is now prepared to coach or manage another county or club outside his native  heath in the incoming year. He would undoubtedly be a decided asset to whichever county or club that he goes to.

As we prepare for the County Senior club semi finals, Ciaran Meenagh and Co ( I do not know who exactly Co is!!)  must have a fair idea of which new players have passed the road test of Club championship football sufficiently as to deserve an opportunity to be called up to the Senior County panel. Any suggestions out there who would be in that bracket?

I'm going for brand new faces not lads that are about the squad already:
Alex Doherty
Paddy Mc Larnon
Joe Dillon
Dara Doherty.

I'm not sure of this but just surmising, is Shea Mc Guckian the goalkeeper experiment now finished do we think? Can we have a number 2 keeper who isn't a keeper being there as reliable option?
I'm not judging this on last year because he done well for a very difficult task.

Louis Regan didn't get any game time for club or county this year.
Do counties now carry 3 and 4 keepers.
Is Ben Mc Kinless and possibly Kilrea Aidan Gillan options here.
Would any lad give be prepared to commit to that.

Lynch by a distance is the best goalkeeper in Derry

Newbridge done well to dig that one out but from neutral I thought Bellaghy deserved it. The arsing about before half time was the killer in the end.

What about the Bellaghy two pointer in the first half that wasn't given, 100% it was over.  Umpire gave it wide and the lineman signalled that it was a score, also told Bellaghy management it was over.
Went to tell Benny Quinn and he waved him away and gave the wide. Very poor not to at least stop the game for a quick conversation.

Very hard to tell from where we were sitting. But it's not the first time you've had an issue with this Referee. I thought it was the best championship game of the season so far and if I am being honest,I thought he added in making the game as exciting as it was.

Not hard to know it was over. I was straight in line with it and at no time did the ball go outside post. Surrounded by Newbridge on all sides and they all said it was over, albeit quietly.
7 people can give the refs opinions, they have to listen. Don't care who the ref is.

Newbridge done well to dig that one out but from neutral I thought Bellaghy deserved it. The arsing about before half time was the killer in the end.

What about the Bellaghy two pointer in the first half that wasn't given, 100% it was over.  Umpire gave it wide and the lineman signalled that it was a score, also told Bellaghy management it was over.
Went to tell Benny Quinn and he waved him away and gave the wide. Very poor not to at least stop the game for a quick conversation.

Lavey had a good go alright, alot closer than I expected but Magherafelt did miss a bagful. I thought Mc Closkey, Mc Evoy were super when crucial balls needed won or the team needed drove forward they definitely stepped up.
Sargent had good game, not sure he's a 6 but maybe more 11.

Kilrea's slow start really killed them, left them far to much to do. Still managed to be level 10/12 mins into second half. PJ Mc Aleese missing was definitely a big loss for them, maybe just one player too many not there.
Glen will need to sharpen that defence if they want to get past the next challenge. Seemed to be big holes when Kilrea ran at them but they just didn't have enough players to do it.

On a plus side note, does anyone agree that both games where very well refereed? I thought they let plenty go pulled players consistently for infringements, hopefully thats the new standard.

Not sure anyone is in disagreement that Derrys social media exposure is fairly poor.

Derry Gaels podcast is a big improvement but thats obviously totally separate from the PRO.

There should be no soccer referenced on it at all, no need and they have plenty of platforms of their own.


Weekend Quarter finals:

Glen vs Kilrea - Dangerous game for Glen, should be too strong up front and Midfield. Kilrea need to shoot the lights out and continue with solid defensive display shown against Steelstown. Glen by 3

Magherafelt vs Lavey - Unless Lavey start playing a bit more football rather than this slow stuff I fear for them. I think Magherafelt pace and power will be too much. Magherafelt by 8+

Newbridge vs Bellaghy - Bellaghy keep getting over the line but haven't hit the heights of the first half against Dungiven round 1. I'd worry about their defence and Friel at 6 is a potential loss. Newbridge forwards could have a field day. Newbridge by 6

Ballinderry vs Slaughtneil - not sure what to expect here, we'll see more out of Ballinderry but Slaughtneil are definitely improving every game. Not sure if they look good enough to win it yet. Forbes vs Mc Guigan battle will decide it. Slaughtneil by 4.

No predicted upsets in there, we're surely due one?

He is not one of Derry's best ever players. Not even close...

Best players maybe be open to interpretation but absolutely one of their best servants.

That lad slogged his guts out for Derry throughout the years of Division 4 standard and winning nothing.
He deserves massive credit, he was also fundamental to Slaughtneils success.

I put him up around the top bracket. He's not in Scullion, McKeever,Lockhart level but the game was totally different.

Thought Mc Kaigues interview was top class, a real straight talker.

He's fully aware of his on personality traits that some people maybe aren't fussy on but are exactly why he's one of Derry best ever players.

I've a feeling he could be a tough manager to play under in his first few years, he'll be perfect for a team who are close to the top somewhere,others might struggle with commitment expectations.

Totally agree with what he said about coaching youth players, the old slogan of kids are different now. Top level youth players aren't different, if anything I think more committed.

Fair assessment that Swatragh ran out of steam, fitness just wasn't there.
I thought Lavey were really poor, no speed in attack, slow build ups, shocking amount of throwing themselves on the group trying to get men booked.
A team who I thought pre championship had the potential to break into the front 4 look coached into no risk football.

Matthew Downey, Niall Toner really need to show alot more if they are to be considered a cut above the rest and county standard. It was fitness alone that beat Swatragh chances where there.


What really annoys me about Lavey management is that for last two games they have put Oisin Mulholland on who is still a minor and preparing for Ulster Minor knockout but looks out of his depth in senior championship.

That was a fairly hard hitting game against Swatragh and to throw a talent like that in an risk one big hit to destroy his season is madness.
Its absolutely a classic example of paid management not giving two dams about long term development and solely focused on this is most important game ever for this club.
That lad will be a star for Lavey but not this year, let him develop as the right pace.

That was a strong defensive showing from Kilrea tonight. Won midfield fairly comfortably and Steelstown attack was absolutely nonexistent.

0-4 scored after 50mins is poor new or old rules.
I reckon Kilrea maybe left about 1-6 behind them.

We can safely put to bed the he or who is county standard after the last two rounds.

😂😂 people thinking Steelstown will be effected by traffic in Belfast.
You's don't know many Derry men, they only cross the Foyle Bridge to go to airport or Altnagelvin Hospital.

No way they'll get to Owenbeg on a Thursday night then. Kilrea will surely get a bye if they don't turn up?

Derry County Board and Derry and Strabane Council are running buses for the team and supporters.
So one bus.🫣

😂😂 people thinking Steelstown will be effected by traffic in Belfast.
You's don't know many Derry men, they only cross the Foyle Bridge to go to airport or Altnagelvin Hospital.

Kilrea by 2,
Lavey by 5,
Slaughtneil by 8,
Dungiven by 2 AET.

Banagher by 10
Screen by 5

You'd love to know who does the SFC fixtures.
Steelstown vs Kilrea on Thursday,
Nothing Friday
Lavey vs Swatragh on Saturday,
Glenullin vs Slaughtneil 4pm and Bellaghy vs Dungiven 6pm Sunday. All at Owenbeg.

What about:
Saturday 5pm and 7pm for Steelstown/Kilrea and Lavey/Swatragh
Sunday 2pm and 4pm for other two not make sense?

Have they not discovered that players prefer not to play on a Thursday or last thing on a Sunday yet?

Here lad, you thinking the Derry SFC is on sky sports? 😂
Clubs request days & times and the fixture makers have to accommodate.

Championship round dates out about 4 months and the last two weekends have been free and you think our county board would accommodate a club request?

Rightfully informed that all other fixtures in this football round involve dual clubs so extra day would be only fair. They will be exhausted after the absolute blockbuster hurling weekend we have in front of us.

County board should ask Ryan O what time and date fixtures suit him best in future.

if you think its fair on any player to take them to Owenbeg on a Thursday for a 7:30pm throw in then you haven't been around many teams.
Some lads maybe working in Belfast or anywhere that requires an hours drive home finishing at 4:30pm.
5:30pm before they're home and they need to be in Owenbeg at 6:45pm latest? Thats some preparation for they're biggest game of the year.

Don't be thinking it out but, jump straight in and do your best smart arse impression.

You'd love to know who does the SFC fixtures.
Steelstown vs Kilrea on Thursday,
Nothing Friday
Lavey vs Swatragh on Saturday,
Glenullin vs Slaughtneil 4pm and Bellaghy vs Dungiven 6pm Sunday. All at Owenbeg.

What about:
Saturday 5pm and 7pm for Steelstown/Kilrea and Lavey/Swatragh
Sunday 2pm and 4pm for other two not make sense?

Have they not discovered that players prefer not to play on a Thursday or last thing on a Sunday yet?

Here lad, you thinking the Derry SFC is on sky sports? 😂
Clubs request days & times and the fixture makers have to accommodate.

Championship round dates out about 4 months and the last two weekends have been free and you think our county board would accommodate a club request?

Rightfully informed that all other fixtures in this football round involve dual clubs so extra day would be only fair. They will be exhausted after the absolute blockbuster hurling weekend we have in front of us.

County board should ask Ryan O what time and date fixtures suit him best in future.

if you think its fair on any player to take them to Owenbeg on a Thursday for a 7:30pm throw in then you haven't been around many teams.
Some lads maybe working in Belfast or anywhere that requires an hours drive home finishing at 4:30pm.
5:30pm before they're home and they need to be in Owenbeg at 6:45pm latest? Thats some preparation for they're biggest game of the year.

Don't be thinking it out but, jump straight in and do your best smart arse impression.

I like playing devil's advocate and in this instance,my argument to this point,is that club teams train during the week at a similar time so I don't think this should be an issue. Unless,as a kilrea man,you are looking early excuses

You'd love to know who does the SFC fixtures.
Steelstown vs Kilrea on Thursday,
Nothing Friday
Lavey vs Swatragh on Saturday,
Glenullin vs Slaughtneil 4pm and Bellaghy vs Dungiven 6pm Sunday. All at Owenbeg.

What about:
Saturday 5pm and 7pm for Steelstown/Kilrea and Lavey/Swatragh
Sunday 2pm and 4pm for other two not make sense?

Have they not discovered that players prefer not to play on a Thursday or last thing on a Sunday yet?

Here lad, you thinking the Derry SFC is on sky sports? 😂
Clubs request days & times and the fixture makers have to accommodate.

Championship round dates out about 4 months and the last two weekends have been free and you think our county board would accommodate a club request?

Rightfully informed that all other fixtures in this football round involve dual clubs so extra day would be only fair. They will be exhausted after the absolute blockbuster hurling weekend we have in front of us.

County board should ask Ryan O what time and date fixtures suit him best in future.

if you think its fair on any player to take them to Owenbeg on a Thursday for a 7:30pm throw in then you haven't been around many teams.
Some lads maybe working in Belfast or anywhere that requires an hours drive home finishing at 4:30pm.
5:30pm before they're home and they need to be in Owenbeg at 6:45pm latest? Thats some preparation for they're biggest game of the year.

Don't be thinking it out but, jump straight in and do your best smart arse impression.

You'd love to know who does the SFC fixtures.
Steelstown vs Kilrea on Thursday,
Nothing Friday
Lavey vs Swatragh on Saturday,
Glenullin vs Slaughtneil 4pm and Bellaghy vs Dungiven 6pm Sunday. All at Owenbeg.

What about:
Saturday 5pm and 7pm for Steelstown/Kilrea and Lavey/Swatragh
Sunday 2pm and 4pm for other two not make sense?

Have they not discovered that players prefer not to play on a Thursday or last thing on a Sunday yet?

Here lad, you thinking the Derry SFC is on sky sports? 😂
Clubs request days & times and the fixture makers have to accommodate.

Championship round dates out about 4 months and the last two weekends have been free and you think our county board would accommodate a club request?

Rightfully informed that all other fixtures in this football round involve dual clubs so extra day would be only fair. They will be exhausted after the absolute blockbuster hurling weekend we have in front of us.

County board should ask Ryan O what time and date fixtures suit him best in future.

if you think its fair on any player to take them to Owenbeg on a Thursday for a 7:30pm throw in then you haven't been around many teams.
Some lads maybe working in Belfast or anywhere that requires an hours drive home finishing at 4:30pm.
5:30pm before they're home and they need to be in Owenbeg at 6:45pm latest? Thats some preparation for they're biggest game of the year.

Don't be thinking it out but, jump straight in and do your best smart arse impression.

I like playing devil's advocate and in this instance,my argument to this point,is that club teams train during the week at a similar time so I don't think this should be an issue. Unless,as a kilrea man,you are looking early excuses

do you see any difference from training on your local pitch as to an away game in Owenbeg for both teams.
Kilrea man? Its an ambitious bit of investigation work but unfortunately not right this time.

As a Steelstown man are yous that confident?