Derry and Tyrone to meet in refixed 2020 semi-final
It s the fifth meeting of the counties in as many seasons
Derry captain Matthew Down in action in Derry s 2019 defeat to Tyrone. (Pic: John Merry)
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Referee : Darren O Hare (Down)
It wasn t the best Christmas present Derry minors could ve received. Shortly after half four on Christmas Eve, the news pinged into their phones of the decision to postpone their Ulster Semi-Final with rivals Tyrone.
It was the third time the pause button was pressed on their championship odyssey and now, a staggering 188 days after their win over Armagh, Derry will face the Red Hands in Saturday s showdown.
Derry will embrace semi-final clash with Ulster rivals
Oakleafers face Tyrone for the fifth successive season
Derry minor manager Martin Boyle
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Derry minor football manager Martin Boyle said his team will improve and embrace their semi-final clash with neighbours Tyrone.
It will be a fifth meeting of the counties at minor level in as many seasons, with Tyrone s semi-final victory last season the only blot on Derry s recent record against the Red Hands.
After winning the first Ulster minor title in 13 years, under Damian McErlain in 2015, Derry have been in four of the last five finals.
“There is no fixture that gets the juices flowing like Derry and Tyrone, it is definitely to something to embrace,” said Boyle after Sunday s win over Armagh.
Derry minors chomping at the bit for their chance to compete
Oakleafers host Armagh on Sunday at Owenbeg
Derry captain Matthew Downey in action against Cavan in the 2019 clash with Cavan at Owenbeg (Pic: Mary K Burke)
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Ref: Enda McFeely (Donegal)
Derry minor manager Martin Boyle said the management have been energised by a squad of players who are chomping at the bit to get their slice of the championship action.
The Oakleafers host Armagh this weekend in a repeat of last year s clash. Lee Brady, Donncha Gilmore, Calum Downey, Matthew Downey, Charlie Diamond and Adam McGonigle remain from Derry s 1-5 to 0-4 win, thanks to a goal from PJ McAleese.