Derry bid for Celtic Challenge Final place

Derry minor hurling manager Danny McGrellis has named his panel for Saturday’s crunch Celtic Challenge game with Meath at Owenbeg (11.30am).

Victory over the Royals would see Derry reach the final of a competition that it has a proud recent history in, winning three titles in recent years.

“We embrace the development nature of the competition,” says the Banagher man. “All these lads now have the experience of hurling at intercounty level. It gives them a taste for a higher level and something to aspire to, hopefully making them better club players first and foremost and ultimately some will go on to represent the county at the top level.”

With Derry impressively claiming an All-Ireland U20 title in recent weeks, it’s another milestone on the road to the immediate goal of the county which is a Christy Ring Cup title.

“We’re playing before the seniors on Saturday in what should be a great occasion at Owenbeg. We’ve a job to do first and foremost. A Celtic Challenge final would be a reward for these lad’s efforts over the previous few months.

“Obviously we are fully behind our seniors. Two wins on Saturday would be a huge boost for the county.”

Derry U17 hurling panel v Meath:

1) Caomhan Irwin
2) Dara Mc Kenna
3) Cathal O Maínáin
4) Lorcan Bradley
5) Conor Melaugh
6) Michael Walls
7) Danny Gallagher
8) Mikey Kennedy
9) Ryan Mc Garvey
10) Jack Convery
11) Chris Mc Cullagh
12) Ben Mc Cullagh
13) caolan Connery
14) Jude Bryson
15) Ruairi Biggs
16) Conall Moore
17) Anthony McGill
18) Ronan Mc Callion
19) Oliver Lupari
20) Cathal Quinn
21) Paul Mc Nicholl
22) Saul Mc Closkey
23) Eoghan Young
24) Kayne Ponsonby
25) Ciaran Henry
26) Lorcan McDonnell
27) Malachy McCartney
28) Jude Connery
29) James O’Connor
30) Fintan Quinn
31) Padraic Mc Areavey