TERENCE McNaughton could become Antrim’s new senior hurling manager.
The former player, considered a legend of the sport, is believed to be a target of the Antrim county board which hopes to confirm the appointment of Sean McGuinness’s successor within the next week.
McGuinness quit the job after the county’s defeat to eventual All-Ireland champions Offaly last year.
McNaughton, who retired in 1997, bringing to an end an 18-year playing service, is to contend for the Antrim post with coaches John Crossey and Seamus Elliot.
It’s possible, however, that all three could link-up with McNaughton becoming manager.
Seamus Elliot, the Dunloy manager who led his side to last season’s compelling win over Ballycastle in the Antrim final, was originally approached by the county board along with former Galway star Brendan Lynskey, who is now believed to have withdrawn his interest.
Elliot turned down Antrim’s initial approach, stating that he wanted to rest over the festive holiday period.
There is doubt as to whether he would wish to harbour the responsibility of a senior county manager.
McNaughton managed Antrim’s U21 side last season. In his first year in management he guided Saffron hurlers to an Ulster title win before losing in the All-Ireland championship to eventual winners Cork.
CAVAN reached the semi-final of the Ulster Bank Vocational Schools Under 18 competition with an impressive win over Fermanagh in their quarter-final clash at Aughadrumsee.
Cavan led by 1-4 to 0-3 at half-time, their goal coming from their most dangerous forward Philip Smith. Darren Kille with two points and Andrew Mulligan with one were the Fermanagh point scorers. Two further Fermanagh points from Kille and one from Eamon Maguire brought Fermanagh back into the game.
Then tragedy befell them.
Twice inside a minute Cavan went through for goals from Donal Kissane and Martin Drumm which sealed victory.
Tyrone started the defence of their Ulster and All-Ireland titles with a 2-13 to 1-5 victory over former champions Donegal.
The way is now clear for the semi-finals on Thursday February 4. Cavan meet Down and Monaghan face Tyrone.
Cavan scorers: P Smith (1-2), D Kissane (1-0), M Drumm (1-0), P Tully (0-4), C Fitzpatrick (0-1).
Fermanagh scorers: K Kille (0-4), A Mulligan (0-1), K Cosgrove (0-1), E Maguire (0-1).
Antrim Vocational Schools U14 football final Our Lady of Lourdes 4-2 St Olcan’s, Randalstown 1-5
WHEN St Olcan’s turned around at half-time 3-2 to 0-1 down they must have fancied their chances against the holders in this Antrim Vocational Schools U14 final in Dunloy yesterday.
The Randalstown challengers now had the aid of the gale-force wind with sleet thrown in and they piled on the pressure in the second half.
However Our Lady of Lourdes defence – and in particular goalie Declan Hegarty – was superb and they held out, allowing Darren Quinn to break for the final and decisive goal three minutes from time.
They now meet St Paul’s Lurgan in next week’s Ulster Championship quarter-final.
St Olcan’s scorers: C Totten (1-0), P McAuley (0-1), J P McLarnon (0-3), M O’Boyle (0- 1).
Our Lady of Lourdes scorers: G O’Boyle (0-1), D Quinn (1-0), D Webb (1-0), A McQuillan (0- 1), D McGregor (1-0), P McGowan (1-0).
THE Derry senior football regional trials will continue this weekend at Ballymaguigan.
The Roe Gems team will play The Sperrins.
Roe Gems will select from: J O’Dwyer, R Lynch, G Biggs, M White, F Crossan, G Conwell, E McGilloway, R Cooper, S O’Neill, A Crane, S Morrow, S Green, S Burke, E Farren, S O’Kane, E Boylan, R Boylan, E McKeever, J Brolly, G McGonigle, B Kelly, E Lynch, E McCloskey, P Murphy.
The Sperrins team will be selected from:A Lagan, L Sweeney, S Gallagher, J McAlery, S O’Boyle, J Donaghy, N McAllister, K Friel, L Moore, J McIvor, E Murray, P Hasson, M McCann, P McCann, J McIlhennon, E Gormley, C Murphy, McCCullagh, B Kelly, FP McCusker, A Tohill, E Turner, S McGuckin, C O’Loughlin, P Mullan, B Kearney.
