A LOOK BACK - 1996 All-Ireland B Hurling Champions

AS Derry prepare for Saturday's Nicky Rackard Cup Final, we take a look back to 1996 - a day Derry tasted success at Croke Park and current manager Collie McGurk was part of the winning team.

1996 All-Ireland B Hurling Champions Derry 1-14 Wicklow 0-10

JOHN O’Dywer’s late goal put a gloss on the scoreline as Derry were made battle every step of the way to clinch the All-Ireland B crown at Croke Park.

Geoffrey McGonigle opened the scoring and points from Gregory Biggs put Derry 0-3 to 0-1 ahead after just eight minutes.

Paul Byrne and Shane O’Loughlin kept Wicklow in touching distance before three Don Hyland points gave the Garden county a slender 0-7 to 0-6 lead. A sideline cut from McGonigle levelled matters but Byrne edge Wicklow ahead at the break.

Early in the second-half, Biggs tied the game once again and when Ronan McCloskey scored, Derry took a lead they never relinquished.

Frees from Collins, followed by points from Paddy McEldowney, John O’Dwyer and Brian McGilligan put Derry safe before O’Dwyer’s late strike.

Derry: Padraig Ó Maináin, Joe Young, Conor Murray, Peter Doherty, Collie McGurk, Declan Cassidy, Niall Mullan, Paddy McEldowney (0-1), Ronan McCloskey (0-1), Mickey McCracken, Ollie Collins (0-5), Benny Ward (0-1), Gregory Biggs (0-2), Geoffrey McGonigle (0-2), John O’Dwyer (1-1).

Subs: Brian McGilligan (0-1), Dermot Kelly.

Full Nicky Rackard Final preview and a chance to win tickets to Saturday's final in this week's County Derry Post