DERRY City FC has condemned vandalism at its Ryan MCBride Brandywell Statium during the recent EA Sports Cup Final.

The club says the bill to repair damaged seats in the Southend Stand will run to £2,000.

City officials said vandalism was also caused during its recent clash with Bohemians in a league match.

In a statement today, the Board of Directors said: “Derry City FC wishes to draw the recent damage to seating in the Southend Park stand to the attention of the club’s supporters.

“Seats mainly in Block K were deliberately broken during the EA Sports Cup final, resulting in the club receiving a repair bill of £2,000.

“No sooner had these been fixed than the area was again the subject of more wanton vandalism during the recent league match with Bohemians.

“Stewards who intervened on both occasions were met with verbal abuse and threats from within Block K.

“The club simply cannot afford to continue in this manner.

“We are working with our stewards and using CCTV footage to ensure that processes can be put in place to avoid this situation arising again.

“Running a League of Ireland club is an ongoing financial challenge, and is very frustrating to see that monies paid by supporters and raised by volunteers has to spent to repair damage such as this.

“Money spent in this way means a direct reduction in the budget available to run the first team and underage teams at the club.

“Those responsible are not supporters of Derry City and we would ask them to stay away from Brandywell stadium.

“We would also ask our genuine supporters who may be acting as parents/guardians on match nights to know the whereabouts of younger supporters at all times and that supporters follow instructions of stewards at all times and remember that standing on seats is not permitted.”

John

City’s Declan Devine wants to secure a win over Dundalk this evening. Pic by NW Newspix (Joe Boland)

With the league in the bag and a Cup final to look forward to, Dundalk would be forgiven for taking their foot off the pedal as the season draws to a close.

So it could be a good time for the Candystripes to play the champions as they head to Oriel Park (kick off 7.45 pm).

Devine’s side has lost only three games on the road this season and go to Co Louth on the back of a 4-0 home win over Cork City last Friday night.

Victory over Dundalk would see third-placed Derry edge closer to a money-earning European spot.

In a hammer blow to Derry’s fortunes, Jack Malone is out for the remainder of the season. The 19-year-old has sustained a hairline fracture of his foot. Darren Cole is still not available through injury

But on a positive note, Jamie McDonagh is available again along with Conor Davis who has fully recovered from his injury.

Dundalk’s John Mountney remains absent with a foot injury.

Patrick McEleney, who has hamstring and back issues, won’t be risked. Dean Jarvis and Daniel Cleary will miss the game through suspension after both accumulated eight yellow cards.

Ahead of the crunch match, Declan Devine told BBC Sport, “we’ll go to Dundalk looking to win the game, something that no team has done in 32 games there.

“It will be very difficult going to the champions but every point is crucial.”

His assistant Kevin Deery added: “We’ve talked this week about the fact that we’ve only lost three times on the road this season.

“That’s a superb achievement for a group of players who have only been together since January and we can take heart from that.

“Dundalk have earned all the plaudits this season and rightly so. They have had another brilliant year but from our point, we’ve competed with them every time we met.”

“They have already won the league but we know Ruaidhrí and many of their players and they’ll still be looking to protect their 30-game unbeaten run, so there’s no chance of them taking their eye off the ball.

“We have no match for 15 days after this so we can focus all our attention on Friday night.

“A result there would really set things up for that busy end to the season.”

After tonight’s game, City have a further away tie, this time against Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds on Friday, October 19.

Derry’s remaining two league games are at home with St Pat’s on Tuesday, October 22 with the final match of the season against North West derby rivals Finn Harps on Friday, October 25.

Both games have a 7.45 pm kick off.

John

BRETT MCGINTY officially turned professional last weekend and is aiming for a pre-Christmas rumble for his debut.

The 21-year-old, an eight-time Irish champion, leaves the amateur ranks after appearing in two Irish Elite finals.

McGinty has joined up with the Los Angeles-based Sheer Sports Management, who have Jason Quigley and the McKenna brothers, Aaron and Stevie, in their stable.

Middleweight McGinty will be trained in Manchester by former multiple world champion Ricky Hatton.

A standout through his teenage yeas with the Oakleaf ABC in Derry, McGinty also won a Commonwealth Youth Games silver and European Schoolboys bronze medals.

That he will be based in Manchester having turned pro brings a unique family link with his cousin, Tyler Toland, having recently signed a two-year deal at Manchester City.

This week, Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub Sports Editor Chris McNulty caught up with McGinty for a wide-ranging interview. Watch the full interview below …

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

Tyrone McCullagh eased to a unanimous decision win over Razak Najib to earn a place in the Golden Contract semi-finals.

McCullagh was never in trouble over the ten rounds as he avoided trouble and soared into the featherweight semis.

The Glen Road man won on 97-93, 98-92, 96-94 scores from the judges at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

McCullagh significantly out-landed Najib to upgrade his pro record to 14-0 with Najib dropping to 11-4.

The former Illies Golden Gloves amateur walked to the ring to the sound of Teenage Kicks by The Undertones to kick off the featherweight quarter-finals of the Sky Sports-televised Golden Contract series.

McCullagh came into the arena boasting an unblemished 13-fight record, including the successful defence of his European super bantamweight title in May, when he overcame Alvaro Rodriguez in Newcastle.

A year ago this weekend, McCullagh had beaten Josh Kennedy in Belfast to win the title for the first time.

Najib was an 11th hour replacement on Thursday after Carlos Araujo was forced to withdraw from the bout due to weight issues. The Mexican had been in England since Tuesday morning, but was overweight and had to receive medical attention in hospital.

Najib was originally pencilled in for an undercard bout and arrived on the back of a loss to Carlos Ramos in June for the EU featherweight title.

On Tuesday, the boxers took part in a draw where they each drew a numbered blue or red ball. Those who pulled out a blue had their choice of a red opponent, with McCullagh the last blue standing and a meeting with Araujo.

McCullagh vowed that the change of opponent wouldn’t derail him – and he was true to his word.

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

Daniel Kelly scores the only goal in Dundalk’s 1-0 win over Derry City at Oriel Park

Daniel Kelly swept home the winner from close range in the 64th minute after Jamie McDonagh failed to deal with Sean Gannon’s cross.

The defeat meant Derry drop to fourth in the table, two points behind Bohemians who beat Cork City 1-0.

The Candystripes have three Premier Division fixtures remaining, two of them home ties, the last a North West Dery match against Finn Harps.

Declan Devine’s side are away to Sligo Rovers on 19 October, followed by home games against St Patrick’s Athletic and Finn Harps to round off their campaign.

A third-place finish would guarantee Derry a European spot.

Kelly’s winning goal ensured that Dundalk saw off Derry in normal time for the first time this season, with the previous two top-flight meetings between the sides having ended in 2-2 draws.

Declan Devine’s charges lost out after extra-time in an FAI Cup second-round tie and in a penalty shoot-out in the League Cup final.

Barry McNamee squandered the visitors’ best first-half chance when he mis-hit from close range, then late in the game Grant Gillespie smashed a drive against the bar.

Patrick Hoban forced Peter Cherrie to make a fine save with his feet from his diving header.

Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Cameron Dummigan; Chris Shields, Robbie Benson; Daniel Kelly (Mark Hanratty 87), Sean Murray (Georgie Kelly 76), Michael Duffy (Lido Lotefa 60); Patrick Hoban.

Derry City: Peter Cherrie; Jamie McDonagh, Eoin Toal, Ally Gilchrist, Ciaran Coll; Greg Sloggett (Grant Gillespie 31), Ciaron Harkin; Darren McCauley (Conor Davis 57), Barry McNamee (Michael McCrudden 80), Junior Ogedi Ozokwe; David Parkhouse.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

John

ALTHOUGH advancing to the semi-finals of the ‘Golden Contract’ tournament last night via a unanimous decision, Tyrone McCullagh says there is plenty of room to improve.

McCullagh outpointed Sheffield’s Razaq Najib to become the first man into the featherweight semi-finals.

The Derry southpaw was a comfortable winner and was deserving of the 97-93 and 98-92 scorecards of Howard John Foster and Marcus McDonnell with the 96-94 verdict of the third judge, Robert Williams, questionably close.

McCullagh was later joined in the semi-finals by Jazza Dickens, Ryan Walsh and Leigh Wood.

“I definitely have aspirations of winning it and definitely want to get to the final,” McCullagh said after moving to 14-0 as a professional.

“I’d like the performance to be a lot better than it was tonight but I think that’s down to a bit of inactivity and I’m going to stay active now and keep myself going.”

Najib was a late replacement for Carlos Araujo, who had to withdraw from the fight.

McCullagh’s win over Najib opened the Sky Sports segment of the fights at York Hall. The eventual winner of the Golden Contract will win a five-fight deal worth a six-figure sum.

Although Najib attempted to take the fight to McCullagh, ‘White Chocolate’ took command of the bout and could be satisfied with his night’s work over ten rounds.

He said: It was a tough fight. I thought I controlled the most of it.

“I was a bit inactive this last year or so. That’s only my second fight since this day last year.

“It’s good to get the ring rust off and I think I won most of the rounds handy enough. I’m pleased enough with the performance but there’s more to come.”

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

New Derry boss Rory Gallagher

If Derry win, under new boss Rory Gallagher, the Oakleafers will take on the winners facing Donegal or Tyrone in the semi-finals.

Monaghan face 2019 Ulster finalists Cavan in the preliminary round with the winner facing Antrim in the quarter-final.

Down will travel to Enniskillen to take on Fermanagh.

Donegal against Tyrone is the rivalry that has dominated the last decade and the 2020 quarter-final showdown in Ballybofey will be their fifth time in six years to meet in the Ulster SFC, and the eighth time since 2011.

They also met in the Super 8s in 2018, one of thee occasions when Tyrone emerged victorious, but Donegal have held the upper hand winning five of their eight Ulster championship battles – including this year’s one-sided semi-final in Breffni Park.

The Ulster Council decided that the teams drawn in this year’s preliminary round – Derry and Tyrone – would be excluded from it in 2020.

Monaghan, who will have Seamus McEnaney back in charge for the second time, will host neighbours Cavan, who reached the provincial decider this summer for the first time since 2001.

In a repeat of 2019, Antrim await the winner of the preliminary round tie and are entitled to a home draw.

With the Casement Park redevelopment project still stalled, they elected to play their ‘home’ game against Tyrone in the Athletic Grounds in Armagh.

Rory Gallagher’s Fermanagh team knocked Armagh out of the Ulster championship in 2018, he will try to repeat the trick with the Derry footballers in another quarter-final tie.

Gallagher’s former assistant Ryan McMenamin has taken on the manager’s role and his first championship game in charge will be at home against Down.

John

DEFENDER Conor Tourish has signed a professional contract at Irish League Premier Division side Institute.

Tourish has been having a fine season at the club and has been rewarded with a new deal.

A summer signing from Letterkenny Rovers, the centre-back has weighed in with a couple of goals and new manager Sean Connor has been impressed by his form.

Tourish scored last week as ‘Stute overcame H&W Welders in the NIFL League Cup.

Connor said, “Conor has all the qualities, on and off the field, that we want in our players. He will be key in all we want to achieve over the next few seasons. This is due reward for his commitment and hard work.”

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

MICHAEL DUFFY has been named as the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association Player of the Month for September.

The 25-year-old bagged himself three goals, including a fabulous strike against Shamrock Rovers to seal the Lilywhites’ fifth Premier Division title in six years.

Duffy was integral to Vinny Perth’s side over an incredible few weeks for the Louth club, as they also lifted the EA Sports Cup and booked their place in the FAI Cup final.

He claimed most votes to pick up the prize ahead of Dundalk team-mate Chris Shields and Shamrock Rovers striker Aaron Greene, who was third.

“It was a mad month,” Duffy said. “It’s one that we’ll all look back on fondly.

“I was pleased because I chipped in a few big goals. There were a couple of games where I was quiet, like the EA Sports Cup final. I didn’t see much of the ball, but to score the winner right at the end was unbelievable.

17 October 2019; Michael Duffy of Dundalk with the SSE Airtricity/SWAI Player of the Month Award for September 2019 at Oriel Park, Dundalk. Photo by Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***

“Everything just seemed to fall for me, and I was in the right place at the right time. To win the title the way we did against Shamrock Rovers made it a special night.”

Duffy signed for Dundalk having returned from a spell at Celtic.

Previously, he played with Derry City and had played schoolboys football with Foyle Harps and also with Kildrum Tigers in Donegal.

If Dundalk can see off the Hoops at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, 3 November, they would become the first club to do the domestic treble since Derry City in 1989.

“We want to finish strongly in our last two league games, but all eyes will be on the FAI Cup final now,” Duffy added. “It’s going to be a massive day.

“If we could do the treble, I wouldn’t even know how to describe it. The fact that 30 years have passed since the last team achieved it shows that it’s not something that comes around very often.

“The boys will never forget the success they had in Europe, but if we can pull this off it will be something that stands to us for the rest of our lives.”

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

THE draw for the new North West of Ulster Intermediate Cup will be conducted on Saturday.

The innovative competition is a collaboration between the Ulster Senior League and the NI Intermediate League.

The Ulster Senior League’s six clubs will take part as will seven teams from the NI Intermediate League.

Bonagee United, Cockhill Celtic, Fanad United, Finn Harps Reserves, Derry City Reserves and Letterkenny Rovers will all be in the draw from the Ulster Senior League.

The NI Intermediate League will be represented by Ardstraw, Dungiven, Magherafelt Sky Blues, Maiden City, Newbuildings United, Newtowne and Strabane Athletic.

The new competition is the first of its kind as a cross-border format at intermediate level.

The draw will take place on Saturday afternoon at 4.30pm in Dungiven with the competition to get underway on the weekend ending November 10th.

A group of six and a group of seven will play off in the first phase of the competition. Three Ulster Senior League teams will be drawn in each of the two groups. Teams from the same League will not play against each other in the group phase.

“This will freshen things up for our Leagues and all of our clubs are excited about the new competition,” said Ulster Senior League secretary Niall Callaghan.

“There will be some great games in store and it will be a good standard. Something like this is just what our League needed and the clubs from the NI League feel the same. Both Leagues are in similar positions at the moment and we’re delighted to get it over the line.

“We want to run a good competition and showcase what is possible. We have had very productive discussions with Gerry Stewart and other representatives from the North West FA over the last couple of months. 

“Fran Gavin and the officials at the FAI have been very supportive of this venture as have the IFA in Belfast and we acknowledge the assistance of the two Associations in getting the structure of the competition over the line.”

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

Derry City came from behind to beat Sligo Rovers 2-1 and edge ever-closer to sealing a European spot.

Goals from Jamie McDonagh and captain Barry McNamee won the match for the Candystripes after Lewis Banks had given the hosts an early lead.

It means Declan Devine’s fourth-placed side can qualify for next season’s Europa League with a draw against St Pat’s Athletic on Tuesday.

The top four go into Europe and St Pat’s are five points behind in fifth.

Shaun Keenan

CALLUM DEVINE, the winner of the recent Donegal Harvest Stages Rally has secured one of the biggest opportunities of his career.

The county Derry rally driver has been given a priority entry by Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing in the final round of the FIA European Rally Championship, Rally Hungary, at the wheel of a Hyundai i20 R5.

Devine (25), and his co-driver, Brian Hoy, from Fermanagh, will drive the car in the prestigious event next month.

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy have arranged for the car to be managed and run by Philip Case and his team at PCRS, with support of Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing.

The event will give Devine, the winner of the 2017 Billy Coleman Award, a chance to demonstrate his ability in one of motorsport’s biggest rallying series outside of the World Rally Championship.

“I’m really excited about this opportunity and seeing what myself and Brian can achieve in an R5 car outside Ireland,” Devine said.

“I’m not one to shy away from a challenge and yes, while this will be a great experience, I want to be competitive at this level.

“Between the Junior World Rally Championship and the Irish Tarmac Championship, I’ve built up plenty of international and R5 experience over the last two seasons and I see this as chance to step up a level.”

Hot from his recent win on the Donegal Harvest Stages Rally, Devine has spent the last two years proving why he is one of Motorsport Ireland’s elite drivers.

This year alone, he has enjoyed many impressive outings in his first full season in an R5 car – including podium finishes at the Rally of the Lakes, the Donegal International Rally and the Ulster Rally, as well as winning the FIA Celtic Trophy.

The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy has developed a strong relationship with Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing over the last year, which has seen some of our best young rally talent take advantage of the opportunity to not only drive a top spec i20 R5 car but also to experience what it is like to be involved with a professional rally team.

Andrew Johns, Customer Racing, Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, said: “Having Callum in the car for Rally Hungary is a good opportunity for both him and Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing. For Callum it’s an opportunity to show his capabilities in front of an international audience, but it’s also to chance to have an i20 R5 competing in the European championship – one of the most competitive series for in the R5 category.

“With PCRS, Callum will be working with one our top customer teams, who have shown the good performance with the car all season in Britain and Ireland, including running Tom Cave to third in class at Wales Rally GB.”

The Rally Academy has been set up to encourage young rally drivers to follow a clear pathway to success from competing in the junior entry level classes right up to experiencing world class competition cars like the Hyundai i20 R5.

Rally Hungary takes place between 8th and 10th of November and consists of 14 stages totalling more than 200km.

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

DECLAN Devine has urged the Derry City faithful for ‘one last push’ ahead of Derry’s crucial league tie tonight (Tues) against St Patrick’s Athletic. 

The Lone Moor Road outfit are very much in the driving seat heading into the final week in the season; Declan Devine’s charges needing just a point to clinch a top-four finish, however, the Derry manager has his sights set on an even bigger prize.

“First and foremost we want to get over the line in terms of European qualification, however a win would lift us into third place with just one match to go,” said Devine.

“That remains the focus- two wins from these two games would see us finish third. What a superb achievement that would be.”

“St Pats are still in the hunt themselves and that will make them an even more difficult opponent than they already are, however we will approach the game positively. That’s what we’ve always done no matter who we’ve played so we won’t change now”.

City have only lost once in the league since mid August and there last two defeats have come against the sides above them in the table, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers.

The games against the Saints so far this season have been honours even, with a win apiece and a draw the results in the fixtures so far.

City will hope to replicate one of their best performances of the season when they blew the Saints away 3-1 in Inchicore earlier in the campaign, going three up within half an hour.

“I’m appealing for one last push from our magnificent supporters. If they turn out in numbers they can really help lift the players towards that goal”.

The Candystripes have no fresh injury concerns after their win in Sligo on Saturday and will be hoping to bring real momentum into Tuesday’s crunch clash.

Shaun Keenan

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL will be back on Foyleside in 2020 as a Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe hat-trick eased to a derby win over Finn Harps.

Derry City 4 Finn Harps 0

By Chris McNulty at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. Pictures by Joe Boland

A brace from the English attacker in the opening 23 minutes sent Derry on their way back into the Europa League for the first time since 2017.

When Ogedi-Uzokwe slammed in a third on 64 minutes, Derry were home and hosed.

Grant Gillespie fired home his first goal in the Candystripes 12 minutes from time to end the season on a high.

In spite of a disappointing 3-1 loss to St Patrick’s Athletic on Tuesday night, Devine kept faith with the same XI.

Derry swept into the lead when Ogedi-Uzokwe slotted past the advancing Jamie Bell in the 15th minute. Put through by Barry McNamee’s delicious through ball, Ogedi-Uzokwe made no mistake with a cool finish.

Just eight minutes later, Derry doubled the advantage. McNamee’s corner caused panic in the visiting rearguard and Ogedi-Uzokwe, eventually, converted from close range.

In between times, Colm Deasy denied David Parkhouse with a timely block as the Candystripes hitman had a go from a McNamee pull-back.

Earlier, Ally Gilchrist headed into the side netting from Jamie McDonagh’s corner as City looked to unsettle the hosts.

Harps, who will play the first leg of the promotion-relegation play-off on Monday, showed eleven changes to a roster that included rookie goalkeeper Bell, another debutant in Kieran Farren and Shaun Doherty made his first start in Harps’ colours.

Harps – who will face Drogheda United in the first leg of the promotion-relegation play-off on Monday – changed all 11 of their personnel for this one.

Young ‘keeper Bell made his first team debut, as did Kieran Farren and there was a first start for Shaun Doherty.

Harps came out well at the outset of part two.

Liam Walsh was unable to overly work Derry ‘keeper Peter Cherrie. When McNamee played in Colm Deasy soon after, the small away support sensed a goal, but Grant Gillespie intervened to make a timely challenge.

Niall Logue fired off target after getting on the end of a Daniel O’Reilly cross, while Derry penalty claims were waved away when Parkhouse went down under a tackle by Logue, who came in for Cowan at the interval.

Ogedi-Uzokwe – who later had another strike ruled out – was picked out by McDonagh after the hour and didn’t need a second invite as he riffled past Bell.

Gillespie connected to Ciaran Coll’s cross and shot home a fourth to complete the night and the season.

Derry City: Peter Cherrie; Grant Gillespie, Eoin Toal (Mark McChrystal 75), Ally Gilchrist, Ciaran Coll; Jamie McDonagh (Aidy Delap 68), Greg Sloggett, Ciaron Harkin, Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe; Barry McNamee (Michael McCrudden 79); David Parkhouse.

Finn Harps: Jamie Bell; Colm Deasy, Keith Cowan (Joshua Smith half-time), Niall Logue, Daniel O’Reilly; Shaun Doherty (Jack Doherty 78), Stephen Doherty, Kieran Farren; Tony McNamee (Mark Coyle 67); Liam Walsh, Mikey Place.

Referee: Derek Tomney.

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

JUNIOR Ogedi-Uzokwe admits that he is unsure what the future holds – but his time at Derry City has been beneficial for player and club.

The Londoner spent the season on loan from League Two side Colchester United. A hat-trick last night in a 4-0 win against Finn Harps sealed European qualification for Derry and bagged Ogedi-Uzokwe the golden boot.

Last night’s treble took the 25-year-old past Pat Hoban of Dundalk and onto 14 Premier Division goals.

“I was so happy,” he said.

“That’s only my second professional hat-trick.

“It felt great, especially at home.

“As long as we won and get to Europe, I was happy. It’s a massive bonus. I’m just happy. It’s crazy.”

In June, the prolific Okedi-Uzokwe hit a hat-trick in a 4-1 rout of Cork City at Turner’s Cross.

The player has been a real hit on Foyleside, but uncertainty abounds now that his loan spell is over. Initially, Ogedi-Uzokwe was due to stay until the end of June, but that deal was extended.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed my time here. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’ve really enjoyed the time at Derry City.

“I think I can do a lot more. The team has been great with me and really helped me to settle in.”

Ogedi-Uzokwe praised the Candystripes manager Declan Devine, saying of the Creggan man: “Deckie is great at motivating us before games and he gets everyone going. Everyone buys into the plan he has.”

Last night’s derby win means that European football will return to the Brandywell in 2020.

Ogedi-Uzokwe said: “Everyone is so happy, buzzing. It’s amazing.

“ We wanted to finish on a high and we did that. We worked hard for each other.  We worked very hard off the ball to get it back. We had to give the fans something to cheer about.

“Getting the win and getting to Europe is massive.”

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

AFTER SEALING qualification to next season’s Europa League, Derry City manager Declan Devine insists that the Candystripes won’t ‘get carried away chasing a dream’.

By Chris McNulty at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium

City’s 4-0 win over Finn Harps last night at the Brandywell clinched a European spot for next summer.

Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe’s hat-trick saw Derry sign off on the 2019 season in style as they clinched fourth spot in the table.

“This is about the whole working environment in the football club,” Devine said.

“This place is like a well-oiled machine this year and everyone is pulling in the one direction. The positivity has been magnificent.”

City finished 29 points off the champions, Dundalk, and there is an 18-point gap to second-placed Shamrock Rovers.

Devine said: “We won’t get carried away chasing a dream.

“Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers are miles ahead of us. Miles ahead. We have to understand that. We want to catch them, maybe not next year, but we want to improve and get better.

“Slowly but surely if we keep chipping away, keeping showing the appetite and get the players in then who knows?”

Devine came back for a second spell as Derry manager at the end of last season. The Creggan man took his charges for a short pre-season trip to the Isle of Man and had only a dozen senior players signed up at that stage.

However, some astute moves – including the loan signings of Golden Boot winner Ogedi-Uzokwe and David Parkhouse – in the transfer market saw Derry improve significantly on last year’s eighth-placed finish.

Devine said: “We were in the Isle of Man with 12 players and brought some youths with us. The rest were kids.

“The players who came in understood that we had to show respect. We had to show respect for each other and show respect for this stadium.

“Everyone here is pulling in the one direction now. Everyone is really determined to drag this club back to the status it has had and can have.”

Devine acknowledged that qualification for the Europa League eases a burden on club Chairman Philip O’Doherty.

Accounts for the year ending November 2017 show that O’Doherty donated some €226,000 to help the club appear profitable, having lost £35,000 in the previous year.

Engineering boss O’Doherty has been Chairman since late 2009 and pours significant funds into the club each year.

Devine said:  “European qualification is brilliant.

“It means that the Chairman doesn’t have to put in as much money. That’s the bottom line.

“The Chairman has been a huge supporter of this football club for a long, long time. The effort and energy behind the scenes is every bit as important as it is on it.

“Without the Chairman, there is no Derry City. The man has pushed this place on and he gets no thanks. Without Philip O’Doherty, there is no Derry City.”

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

THERE was a second big derby game at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium last night.

Members of the Donegal Down Syndrome played a half-time match against Oxford Bulls at half-time in the Derry City v Finn Harps game.

The Donegal Down Syndrome members were mascots for Finn Harps while the Oxford Bulls acted as the Derry City mascots.

It was a memorable occasion for all involved as they got to play in front of a big derby crowd.

The players received a warm welcome onto the pitch and rapturous applause as they left again after a cracking game during the interval.

Pictures by Joe Boland, North West News Pix…

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

Ronan Curtis was on the mark as Portsmouth drew away to Bristol Rovers in League One this afternoon.

Curtis netted 20 minutes from time to put Pompey 2-0 up, but Kenny Jackett’s team conceded a stoppage time equaliser at Memorial Stadium.

Former Derry City attacker Curtis came into the team that had overcome Lincoln during the week with Marcus Harness dropping to the bench.

Gareth Evans netted a penalty after John Marquis was pushed by Luke Leahy.

Marquis was involved on 70 minutes as his cross was headed home by Curtis. The St Johnston man nodded in a third goal of the season.

Alex Rodman pulled a goal back and Ross McCrorie’s own goal denied Portsmouth.

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

AS HE reflected on his first season back in full-time football, Ciaran Coll believes 2019 was his best campaign on the pitch.

Coll made 32 League appearances for Derry City, scoring one goal, as the Candystripes booked a return to the European stage.

After 270 appearances for Finn Harps, culminating in a testimonial at the end of last season, Coll was sounded out by new Derry boss Declan Devine. Having made a previous attempt to lure the St Johnston man to the Brandywell in his last stint at the club, Devine got his man this time.

And Coll starred, his performances reflected in the fact that he was named as Derry City’s Player of the Year. No mean feat considering the performances of the likes of David Parkhouse and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe, among others as Derry rose from being just above the relegation quicksands last year to Europe, with Devine assembling an almost-entirely new squad.

“It was a brilliant year,” Coll told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“It’s one of the things I always wanted to do in my life, play in Europe. I was ten years at Harps and it didn’t happen for me there, but it’s happened here now and I can’t wait to European football. The atmosphere here at the Brandywell is unreal We’d get even more than that for a European game.

“I had a very good season. I want to look after myself in the off-season and get back in for January to get going again.

“I enjoyed my football at Harps, but this has been my best season for performances.”

Coll spent a year as a youth at Heart of Midlothian, who he signed from Kildrum Tigers in 2007. He returned home to sign for Paul Hegarty at Harps in 2008 and was a mainstay in their side, barring a couple of spells out injured, over the decade he spent at Finn Park.

Devine had been keen on Coll before, but – on the advice of academy director Paddy McCourt, who spent two seasons playing with Coll at Harps – he went back again last year.

Last Friday’s 4-0 win over an understrength Harps confirmed qualification for next season’s Europa League.

“It was a very good season for us,” Coll said.

“This is where we wanted to be at the start of the year.

“When I met Declan at the start, he said he was building a whole new squad and what an achievement for Declan to go from eighth to fourth.

“I was asked where I wanted to be and I said pushing for Europe. The whole squad and backroom team came together and we got there.”

Coll netted his first Derry goal in a 2-2 draw at Shamrock Rovers when Derry came from 2-0 down.

He has contributed handsomely to Derry’s attack with several key assists as Devine encourages him to bond forward at every available opportunity.

Ciaran Coll celebrates scoring a goal against UCD in the play-off in October 2015

The 27-year-old said: “They tell us to get the full-backs high and I love that. I have good running power, but it’s not easy.

“If you get up then you have to work to get back. And then up again. And back! I have to keep doing that. That’s my job to do and if I do that, the boys will be happy.

“We have legends on the backroom team like Paddy, Marty and Kevin and then the manger, Declan. They’ve all played here and what we do in training, we bring it into games. Every week, we are set up well to do things.

“There’s so much experience in the team. Even the likes of Junior and Parky in on loan, they had so much big experience before they came here.”

It is ten years now since Coll sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury while playing for Harps and he admits that was playing on his mind as he pondered a move to the newly-developed Brandywell, with its artificial surface.

He said: “It was a big change.

“I was a wee bit worried about my knee with the astro, but it didn’t bother me at all. I had done the cruciate and the cartilage so I did think I’d have a wee bit of bother, but I didn’t.”

Derry were buoyed by qualification for Europe while they also hosted League champions and treble-chasers Dundalk in the EA Cup final, losing on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Ciaran Coll in action for Finn Harps

Coll said: “We went down to ten men in the Cup final and we took the League champions to extra time and penalties. They haven’t come here and beat us well. It was an unbelievable year.

“We want to kick on for next year.”

Coll will be keeping close tabs on Harps on Friday night as Ollie Horgan’s men bid for Premier Division survival when they face Drogheda United in the second leg of their promotion-relegation play-off.

Coll said: “Harps have the experience of it and I hope they stay up in the Premier. We need the north west derbies. Harps will be hard to beat in a play-off. It’s very important that the two clubs up here are in the Premier.”

Chris McNulty

Sports writer from St Johnston, now based in Letterkenny, with ten years’ experience covering sport in Donegal. Was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

James McClean subjected to torrent of anti-Irish abuse at Barnsley match

It has been reported that the chanting occurred during Stoke’s visit to Oakwell on Saturday.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill made his debut as Stoke City manager at the game, which was won 4-2 by the Potters.

Creggan born footballer McClean was regularly booed during the game was also targeted with chants about the Pope and the IRA.

The game took place the day before Remembrance Sunday, where the UK remembers the contribution of the military during the world wars and other conflicts. A minute’s silence was held before the game.

A number of players wore poppies on their shirts during the match.

McClean has not worn a poppy during his many years in English football, citing the actions of the British Army in his native city on Bloody Sunday.

He has regularly been targeted with abuse by football fans for the decision and disclosed that he has received death threats in the past.

It has been reported that referee Jeremy Simpson included the abuse in his report of the game and the FA is investigating as a result.

Speaking last year Republic of Ireland international McClean defended his decision not to wear the poppy.

“I know many people won’t agree with my decision or even attempt to gain an understanding of why I don’t wear a poppy,” he said in a statement released through Stoke City.

“I accept that but I would ask people to be respectful of the choice I have made, just as I’m respectful of people who do choose to wear a poppy.”

The Irish PFA and major anti-racism group released a joint-statement demanding an investigation into anti-Irish racism.

A joint statement from Ged Grebby and Paul Kearns (Show Racism the Red Card), Garrett Mullan (Show Racism The Red Card Ireland), Stephen McGuinness (Irish PFA) read: “Football Associations must respond with investigations of anti Irish racism.

“The FA have announced that they have investigated and warned James McClean for use of language arising from a post he put up on Instagram in which he referred to supporters who were abusing him.

“This statement is a joint call from Show Racism the Red Card Ireland, Show Racism the Red Card UK and the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland to both the Football Association in England and the Scottish Football Association to have a more robust approach to abuse faced by players like James McClean and managers such as Neil Lennon.

“Racism on the basis of colour, nationality, religion or ethnicity is not acceptable and all within the game have a responsibility to respond appropriately.

“James McClean has stood in solidarity with team mates who have experienced racism and spoken out. We stand in solidarity with James McClean, Neil Lennon and all those who experience racism.

“We call on both the Football Association in England and the Scottish Football Association to investigate all incidents of anti-Irish discrimination.

“We also call on both associations to invest funding in anti-racism education to help both supporters and young people understand the dangers and the impact of racism.”

John