County Derry Post

Chris McCann looks at
Kilrea
Who’s in charge? Declan Bateson still at the helm after coming within a whisker of promotion and getting out of group stages of the Championship.
Who’s gone? This is a young team so there are no retirements in the offing.
Any new faces? They were already playing a host of young stars in their senior line-up last season fellas like James Kielt, Liam Morrow and Lee Kennedy so unless Bateson starts trawling the Under 16s there it’s likely to be a case of allowing players who have made the break through to bed in.
Aims for the season? Another decent Championship run would be nice but that’s of secondary importance but having taken the promotion race to a play-off last season, getting into Division One is the raison d’être.
Key fixture? The second last game of the season sees them travel to Dean McGlinchey Park for a potential title decider with Ballinascreen. I thought they’d had enough title deciders last year.
Key player? James Donaghy adds steel and experience to this a collection of precocious talents.
Our assessment? Kilrea don’t lack for talent and athleticism and they have one of the sharpest young manager’s in the county at the helm. The Pearses possibly lack the nous and knowledge of the dark arts that comes with experience but when the photo’s taken at the finishing line they’ll in the frame.
Where they’ll finish? We take them to edge out Ballinascreen in the race for promotion.

Cahair O’Kane looks at
Ballinascreen
Who’s in charge? Martin McConnell will don the old Bainisteoir bib
Who’s gone? It will basically be the same squad as last year, with none of the ‘Screen side departing the scene.
Any new faces? There are no outsiders in, with last year’s Derry minor John Francis Bradley the most likely to break into the first 15. Carlus McWilliams may be used sparingly but is unlikely to see too much serious senior football.
Aims for the season? The Draperstown side were naturally disappointed by their relegation from the top flight last campaign and will be determined to get back to the top table, as well as building on their championship quarter-final appearance.
Key fixture? Just as above, when they host Kilrea on August 24, it could decide the destination of the title.
Key player? Eamonn Murray’s scoring power up front will be key if McConnell’s side are to harbour serious hopes of an immediate return to Division One.
Our assessment? Ballinascreen are a better side than last year’s league campaign suggests. A good start to the campaign could tee them for a season long battle at the top and it’s hard to see them losing too often over the next few months.
Where they’ll finish? It will be very, very tight but Ballinascreen may just be edged out by Kilrea, though they would be well capable of winning a playoff game, potentially against Loup.

Cahair O’Kane looks at
Glen
Who’s in charge? Former Ballinderry player Dominic Rocks is at the Wattys’ helm
Who’s gone? Anton Moran has been forced to pull the plug after a series of shoulder injuries, while Donal Leahy will miss the start of the season in Australia. Gary Burke will miss the start of the season with his cruciate knee injury failing to heal in time, and Sean Gribben will miss a couple of months with a shoulder injury as well.
Any new faces? No transfers in for the Maghera side, so they will possibly look to young blood from Andrew Warnock, Odhran Bradley and Ryan Martin to boost the squad.
Aims for the season? Glen were badly decimated by injuries last year and fell to a notably disappointing championship defeat to Craigbane. They are capable of challenging for promotion but it depends on them keeping the key players they have left fit.
Key fixture? Their opening two games don’t come much tougher – home to ‘Screen and away to Kilrea, so their intentions should be clear by April 28.
Key player? Johnny Bradley has been a rock for his side around the middle for a number of years and his influence will be crucial.
Our assessment? As I said, Glen’s campaign will depend largely on their ability to keep their main men fit. Bradley along with Philip O’Connell and Conleith Moran will help define their campaign but it’s safe to say they won’t be too far away.
Where they’ll finish? They could be the third horse in a two-horse race…

Cahair O’Kane looks at
Magherafelt
Who’s in charge? Replacing Seamus Birt will be Armagh native Paddy Flynn, who’ll pair up with Philip Kerr
Who’s gone? There have been no retirements in the young Rossas squad, they’re all back on board for another season. Derry under-21 Jared Monaghan has an ankle injury that could see him miss the start of season, but it’s nothing too serious.
Any new faces? As with most clubs, there are no transfers coming in. Daniel Heavron, who was part of the Derry minor squad last year, and Paul Dillon are the most likely of the youngsters to come into the side.
Aims for the season? Magherafelt were on the verge of making the top table when the leagues were restructured in 2006 but fell disappointingly short last term. They have a squad full of good young players and will be quietly hopeful of topping the pile.
Key fixture? Their last game hands them a daunting trip to Ballinascreen – whether or not they’ll win it, they could still have a say in the destination of the title.
Key player? Young Derry defensive hopeful Joe Keenan has progressed hugely over the last couple of years and is now the outstanding figure for his side, certainly defensively, where he can play at full or centre-half back.
Our assessment? Magherafelt’s last league campaign left a lot to be desired as they never really challenged Dungiven or Kilrea near the top. They have the potential to gazump those with allusions of grandeur but it looks unlikely.
Where they’ll finish? Capable of better, but could have to settle for 4th

Cahair O’Kane looks at
Swatragh
Who’s in charge? Hughie Turner and John Joe Kearney, a Slaughtneil man no less, are in charge of the Davitts.
Who’s gone? None of the Swatragh side that were there last year have left the scene
Any new faces? No new faces as such, though they’ll be boosted by the returns of Michael Kirkpatrick in a month or so from a knee injury, while Seanie McGuckin and Seamus Kearney are also on the comeback trail. Sean McNicholl and Robert McWilliams were around the squad last year and should make more of an impact this time.
Aims for the season? Despite being tipped for relegation more often than not, Swatragh have progresses steadily over the past few years and the likes of Michael Conway, Ruairi Convery and Mickey Friel have helped make life easier. They certainly won’t be relegated and will be aiming to finish as high up the table as possible, with one eye on getting out the championship group stage having come so close last year.
Key fixture? As always, a good start to the campaign is an essential and their opening games against Magherafelt and Coleraine could set them up for a good season.
Key player? Mickey Friel was called into Paddy Crozier’s McKenna Cup squad at the start of the campaign and, although he didn’t see much action, he will be vital to Swatragh’s plans this term
Our assessment? They probably aren’t going to win the league and they almost definitely aren’t going to win the John McLaughlin Cup but they will easily consolidate their place as a senior club. They have the basis of a good side but not enough to survive at the top of the league
Where they’ll finish? Fifth is our guess, though don’t be surprised if it’s higher

Cahair O’Kane looks at
Lavey
Who’s in charge? Eamon O’Boyle, who played last year, is the new Erin’s Own boss
Who’s gone? The afore-mentioned manager has been forced into retirement due to injury, while goalkeeper Dominic Carey has transferred back to his native Moneyglass.
Any new faces? Cailean O’Boyle and Colm Dillon would be the two most promising youngsters in the orange and black ranks.
Aims for the season? Lavey’s aim for the season will be to mount a more serious challenge towards the top and go on a better championship run. The restructuring of Division Two has suited them and enabled them to climb back into contention, which they should further this year.
Key fixture? Their opening fixture sees Kilrea face a daunting trip to Lavey, where they will undoubtedly get their fill of it.
Key player? If he can stay fit, there is no better full-back in the country than Kevin McCloy (officially, that’s an Allstar for you)
Our assessment? Lavey have flattered to deceive over the past few years. They looked promising for a stage last year but their championship campaign began a downward slope that they found hard to arrest. They will cause problems and should stay clear of the bottom.
Where they’ll finish? Sixth won’t please them too much

Cahair O’Kane looks at
Coleraine
Who’s in charge? Having guided them to the Intermediate championship in 2006 and promotion in ’07, Sean McGoldrick will continue his work
Who’s gone? Unfortunately for them, quite a few. Frank Diamond has retired, while Andy Davidson is also no longer part of the setup. Cormac Trolan (Australia) and Sean Paul Henry (America) are on indefinite stays out of the country, while last year’s Derry minor Declan Mullan is struggling badly with a persistent groin injury.
Any new faces? The senior squad might come a year too soon for Aidan Mullan and Colm McGoldrick, so the latter’s father Sean might have little fresh blood to work with.
Aims for the season? Since they came out of the junior ranks back at the start of the decade, they have progressed steadily but this is a massive step up. Their aim is simple – be a senior club in 2009. Should they win just one game and stay up, it would do the job.
Key fixture? Round one, Sunday 20 April, Craigbane v Coleraine. That will give us a huge indication as to how they will fare this year.
Key player? He takes their frees, he links play, he can drop deep, he can stand on the edge of the square and has pace deceptive to his frame. Barry McGoldrick’s influence is badly needed for Eoghan Rua.
Our assessment? Quite simply, I think Coleraine have what it takes to stay up. They have the nucleus of a very good side and with the obvious triple threat of Sean Leo, Barry and Ciaran McGoldrick, they could shock a few sides on their way.
Where they’ll finish? Their first season won’t be riddled with wins or success, but they’ll do enough to come 7th

Cahair O’Kane looks at
Craigbane
Who’s in charge? Kevin Moore is the new Craigbane boss
Who’s gone? Ryan McDaid and John Donaghy have decided to call a halt to their playing careers, despite having gas still in the tank. Unfortunate Derry under-21 forward Adie McLaughlin is out for a year with a broken arm.
Any new faces? The St. Joseph’s squad will be enhanced by Cathal Kerlin, John Kerlin and Christian McElhinney, all who made their debuts a couple of weeks ago against Glenullin. Cathal O’Kane’s return is a tremendous boost as well.
Aims for the season? Remain a senior football club, simple as. Craigbane have battled gamely against the drop for the last couple of years and are likely to continue that fight in the same manner in 2008.
Key fixture? Their final two games see them away to Swatragh before they host Lavey in what could be a crucial encounter.
Key player? Having returned from the States, Cathal O’Kane’s influence helped keep Craigbane in Division Two last year and he’ll now have to produce his top form to repeat the trick this season.
Our assessment? The bottom line is that Craigbane will most likely struggle this year. Fergal Crossan, Gavin Conwell and Cathal O’Kane will be crucial bodies in their fight for survival but they are up against it.
Where they’ll finish? Coleraine’s continued progression could do Craigbane serious harm