Messages

I was at the game and even when we were on top, the amount of wides was criminal and I never felt comfortable. The defence is not strong enough as a unit and gave away a few silly frees. Once Monaghan got the momentum and got a few two pointers they sniffed the win.

I think this squad needs a slight rebuild, bring in a few of the u21s to freshen up the squad, freshen up training and maybe some of them will be good enough to make it - the likes of Sergeant when he is fit.

Is there something to be said that Derry always play like a league team? We have won 7 National Leagues and only one Sam Maguire. 7 National leagues is proof that Derry is a good football county with quality footballers. But this does not translate into Championhip football - too many times we get turned over like yesterday when Monaghan got into Championship mode in the second half we capitulated in the end; we got turned over in 2001 by Galway in the semi-final (and they hammered Meath in the final), and in 2023 by Kerry when we played unreal football.

The better players lost yesterday imo.
Will they learn from the defeat?
My main concern from yesterday (we played some great football) was the wides and the lack of solidity at the back. Was there an argument for putting big Rogers in at full back in the second half as Monaghan began to lump in the occasional high ball?

I would say that the Derry dressing room was a morgue yesterday after that game.

Yesterdays game can either make or break this team. We will see how they respond in the next game.

U20 result
Antrim 1-9 Derry 2-4

Rory Gallagher has been named the new Derry senior football manager after being ratified at a County Board meeting in Owenbeg on Tuesday night.

The former Fermanagh and Donegal boss will be charged with continuing the rebuilding job started by Damian McErlain and, like his predecessor, will be given a three year term to be reviewed annually.

It wasn't all plain sailing for Gallagher though with the decision taken to vote before delegates approved his appointment on a 24-15 count. Gallagher will come with a strong looking backroom team of Ballinderry and Derry legend, Enda Muldoon, and former Tyrone player Ciaran Meenagh.

"Following tonight's meeting of Coiste Chontae Dhoire, Derry GAA are pleased to announce the senior football management team for the incoming year," read a statement from the County Board.

"All-Ireland winning coach Rory Gallagher has been appointed on a three year term, and will lead an experienced management team which includes All-Ireland club winner and former Derry All-Star footballer, Enda Muldoon, alongside Ciaran Meenagh who worked with our senior footballers during the 2019 season.

"We wish both management team and playing panel best of luck for the 2020 season."

https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/rory-gallagher-confirmed-as-new-derry-manager-1-9058443

[Rory Gallagher: Ex-Fermanagh boss becomes Derry football manager]

Rory Gallagher: Ex-Fermanagh boss becomes Derry football manager

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/gaelic-games/49482311

McErlain did a superb job with our minors over a three year period.

There is no doubt about his passion and commitment to Derry football. Yes, the responsibility rests with him but the finger cannot be pointed at him alone -- the players and the county board and the clubs and the individual club players and the supporters - the whole of the Derry GAA community needs to have a long hard look at why Derry county football has hit an all time low.

You forgot to blame Scór as well, they have been no use in the league at all.

I am sure you would agree that it is a collective failure?

McErlain did a superb job with our minors over a three year period.

There is no doubt about his passion and commitment to Derry football. Yes, the responsibility rests with him but the finger cannot be pointed at him alone -- the players and the county board and the clubs and the individual club players and the supporters - the whole of the Derry GAA community needs to have a long hard look at why Derry county football has hit an all time low.

I actually think we were the top scorers across all the leagues. Does t do any good when the whole team switches off and concede silly silly scores. I was fairly optimistic about next season had we stayed up, we have showed some really good football at times this season and the only game we were really totally out of was the Longford game. But now I'm division four I wonder what players will even commit to play.

I think you have hit the nail on the head. Who wants the total commitment of a county football lifestyle playing in Division 4?

To be fair - McEralin sounds totally shattered in an interview on BBC -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/northern-ireland/43535473

All time low.

Very depressing. Hard to see a way back to the top table unless the best players in the county commit to our senior team we will have to get used to mediocrity or worse.

We must have the worst county board in Ireland.

http://www.feilelaoisoffaly2012.com/content/fixtures-results

Just watched Higgins referee the McKenna cup final - he had a dreadful game. Keep him in Fermanagh as he is not good enough to referee county standard!!

Ballinderry have played much better with 14 men, have put a bit of pride back in the jersey! Muldoon is still their best player, he is a joy to watch.

Have to say the Ballinderry corner-backs are a real weak-link on their team.

Expect Cross to pull away in the last ten.

Cross players must be watching too much cross channel soccer - nice little bit of play acting to get the Ballinderry boy sent off. Shame that this diving is now part of our great game.

Can't believe how poor Ballinderry were in the first half - clueless!!

Anyone know the score in the Q-final today between Rostrevor & Coalisland?

Carryduff led by 8 points after 15 minutes but Rostrevor came back to win the game by 7 in a very good game of football. Rostrevor have great pace in their forward line and are a very impressive minor team.

Any results from todays game?