Sport

Damian Barton makes defensive changes for clash with Meath

Thomas Mallon is back between the posts for Derry  
Thomas Mallon is back between the posts for Derry   Thomas Mallon is back between the posts for Derry  

DERRY manager Damian Barton has named what looks a strong side for the visit of Meath to Owenbeg on Saturday for their round 2A Qualifier clash.

The only changes are to the Oak Leaf defence. Back between the posts is Loup’s Thomas Mallon, while Ballinderry’s Mickey Conlon, who played against Louth in the round one Qualifier win, makes way. Ciaran Mullan moves from full-back to wing-back and Chrissy McKaigue takes the number three jersey. Ciaran McFaul replaces Neil Forrester in the other wing-back spot.

Otherwise, the team is the same as that which beat the Wee county last month by five points. Named among the subs is Greenlough’s Enda Lynn, who has been out injured since breaking an ankle in the McKenna Cup final loss to Tyrone.

The Roscommon team to play Galway in Sunday’s Connacht final shows a number of positional changes and four changes in personnel from the team that started against Sligo last time out. Joint-managers Kevin McStay and Fergal O'Donnell have opted to replace goalkeeper Geoffrey Claffey with Michael Glavey’s clubman Darren O Malley, Cathal Compton comes in for James McDermott at midfield, while Donie Shine and Senan Kilbride make way for Enda Smith and David Keenan. Long-serving defender Sean McDermott is set to make his 153rd appearance for the Rossies. The Western Gaels man has played Championship football for Roscommon since making his debut in 2005.

Cavan have the chance to get their season back on track when they host Carlow at Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday evening. Terry Hyland’s selection shows four switches from the side beaten by Tyrone in last weekend’s Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final.

Padraig Faulkner comes in at number four for James McEnroe, Ciaran Brady is selected at wing-back for Niall Murray, Liam Buchanan is named at midfield from where Killian Clarke moves into the half-forward line, while Martin Reilly drops out. Seanie Johnston has been handed the number 15 jersey.

Cork forward Brian Hurley’s involvement in this Championship season is in severe doubt as he is struggling with a hamstring injury. The Castlehaven attacker has been ruled out of Saturday’s second round Qualifier against Munster rivals Limerick and is a major doubt to see any more action for the Rebels this summer, should they progress.

Manager Peadar Healy has also confirmed Hurley is one of four players ruled out of the game. Conor Dorman (ankle), Kevin Crowley (hamstring) and Jamie O’Sullivan (groin) will also miss out.

TEAM NEWS


Derry (All-Ireland SFC v Meath): T Mallon; G McKinless, C McKaigue, K McKaigue; C McFaul, B Rogers,C Mullan; C McAtamney, N Holly; D Heavron, C Bradley, E Brown; J Kielt, E McGuckin, M Lynch


Roscommon (Connacht SFC v Galway): D O’Malley; S McDermott, S Mullooly, N McInerney; D Murray, S Purcell, J McManus; N Daly, C Compton; F Cregg, C Murtagh, D Keenan, C Devaney, E Smith, C Cregg


Cavan (All-Ireland SFC v Carlow): R Galligan; K Brady, R Dunne, P Faulkner; F Flanagan, C Moynagh, C Brady; T Corr, L Buchanan; D McVeety, G McKiernan, K Clarke; C Mackey, E Keating, S Johnston