GAA: Derry opt out of pre-season Conor McGurk Cup

NICKY Rackard Cup champions Derry will not play in this year's pre-season Conor McGurk Cup, organised by Queens' Hurling Club.

“We will be playing the same teams in the league and the Christy Ring Cup,” commented Derry boss Collie McGurk.  “Also, we would be without our students and the Slaughtneil players.”

When Derry commence their NHL season at home to Down on Sunday, January 28 they will do so without nine of the starting team from the Nicky Rackard Final against Armagh.

As well as the players on club championship duty, Banagher goalkeeper Daryl McDermott has not joined up with the panel ahead of the new season.

Full panel details in this week's County Derry Post.