Football

Derry development squads benefit from new deal

Pictured at the launch of Derry's new partnership with River Ridge Recycling are (l-r) &Eacute;amon Doherty, financial director at River Ridge; Chris Collins, Derry's games development manager; Derry director of football Brian McIver; Derry GAA chairperson Brian Smith and development squad players Conal Logan (13), Jason McVey (15) and Peter Tohill (14) <br />Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Pictured at the launch of Derry's new partnership with River Ridge Recycling are (l-r) Éamon Doherty, financial director at River Ridge; Chris Collins, Derry's games development manager; Derry director of football Brian McIver; Derry GAA chairperso Pictured at the launch of Derry's new partnership with River Ridge Recycling are (l-r) Éamon Doherty, financial director at River Ridge; Chris Collins, Derry's games development manager; Derry director of football Brian McIver; Derry GAA chairperson Brian Smith and development squad players Conal Logan (13), Jason McVey (15) and Peter Tohill (14)
Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

DERRY’S football and hurling development squads have been boosted by a new sponsorship deal that will see RiverRidge Recycling back them across the board.

The new sponsorship deal will see the local company, which employs over 160 people, give their support to Derry development squads in both codes.

The Oak Leafers, who last year won their first Ulster minor football title since 2002, have developed a coaching base that includes some of the finest players the county has produced. 1993 All-Ireland winners Séamus Downey, Karl Diamond and Richard Ferris are among those involved on a permanent basis, overseen by new director of football Brian McIver.

A team of support coaches includes the likes of Damian Cassidy, Fergal Doherty, Johnny McBride, Ronan McGuckin, Conleith Gilligan, Henry Downey, Enda Gormley and Gary Coleman.

Welcoming the new deal, Derry county chairman Brian Smith said: "I would like to thank Éamon Doherty and all at RiverRidge Recycling for the support they have given to our development efforts. They are a forward-looking and innovative company, with strong links to the local community.

"Our new partnership arrangement will enable us to further progress our efforts in developing young players, providing them with access to the best environment possible in which to fulfil their potential for their clubs and county.

"We firmly believe that the best coaches bring out the best in players. I want to thank our director of football Brian McIver, games development manager Chris Collins and all the hurling and football coaches who are now on board. We have a top class team assembled with a vast knowledge of our games, and who are determined to advance Derry teams over the coming years."

Finance director of RiverRidge Éamon Doherty said: “RiverRidge Recycling is extremely proud to be the new sponsor of Derry GAA’s youth development squad. The company strives to reach out and help the community in many ways and gives back when and where possible.

“As sponsors, we are delighted to support the development of these young players and hope that our sponsorship assists them in improving their skills and ultimately make the successful move to inter-county senior players.”