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06 Sept 2025

Delighted Damian McErlain praises squad depth after Derry's All-Ireland quarterfinal victory

Derry Minors

Damian McErlain celebrated another Derry victory today. Pic by Philip Fitzpatrick/ Sportsfile

Derry minor manager Damian McErlain paid tribute to the depth of his panel and expressed delight after Saturday’s All-Ireland quarter-final win over Dublin.

The Oakleafers responded to both Dublin goals and dug deep to hit four points without reply after Dublin nosed in front with 52 minutes on the clock.

“We’re just delighted to get through it,” McErlain said. “It's an All-Ireland quarter-final against the Dubs like it's never going to be a handy day out in any shape or form.

“They'd lost the Leinster final but never should have lost it in terms of the goal chances that they created and didn't take.

“We knew they carried that threat and that was going to be a big part of their game.”

After hitting three points, a sixth goal of the season from Senan Bolger helped Dublin into a 1-3 to 0-5 lead but it was Derry who were ahead by half-time after a controlled second quarter.

Two points from skipper James Sargent had Derry three clear before Donach McGee bagged a second Dublin goal to level matters.

“They have to work it out on the pitch themselves,” McErlain said of the leadership among the Derry side.

The feeling among the management teams was how a four-point cushion would give Derry a chance to manage the game.

“They got the goal, so that pulled us back in,” McErlain said. “The tiredness set in, the sun had got hotter here at the mid-point of the day, so the pressure was on the lads.”

Derry dipped into their bench in a bid to steady the ship with Ger Dillon coming in after a knee injury kept him from giving a full hour.

When Dublin edged ahead with Magee’s 52nd minute point, Derry hit four points on the bounce to weather the storm.

There were vital turnovers from Padraig Haran and Caoimhin Hargan with Derry also closing the door on Dublin’s short kick-out.

“That depth worked really well,” McErlain pointed out. “We were fit to bring in Padraig Hara who did really well today. Ger (Dillon) came in to steady the ship a wee bit as he'd been carrying an injury.

“You have Turlough McHugh who came in today and kicked four points from play so it shows a wee bit of depth and boys fighting for places. To get through the match is the key thing.

“He (McHugh) caught a few kick outs as well, so we pushed Sargie (James Sargent) up closer to the goals in that regard but Turlough did very well and there is loads to work on.”

Saturday’s victory sets up a semi-final with Kerry and McErlain is just content to have another two-week window to put their best foot forward.

 

 

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