Derry Under-20 manager Ryan O’Neill has overhauled his coaching staff ahead of the 2027 season after a historic treble‑winning 2026 campaign. The changes aim to build on the success achieved in the previous year.
Derry secured the Christy Ring Cup, an All-Ireland Under‑20 B title and a Minor Celtic Challenge crown in 2026. He added two Antrim coaches, Mickey Glover and Simon Doherty, and strength and conditioning specialist Shane O’Connor to the backroom team. The new setup is intended to maintain the momentum from the treble.
Several former coaches, including Kevin Kelly, Kieran Stevenson and John O’Dwyer, have departed the Under‑20 setup. The majority of last year’s panel remain eligible and have accumulated senior club minutes, providing experience for the upcoming campaign.
Glover, a Belfast native who played club hurling with Slaughtneil and whose sons PJ and Felix were part of the 2026 Richie McElligott Cup winners, brings extensive coaching experience. Doherty, a former Armagh goalkeeper, is a respected coach with prior work at Antrim and with Ulster University.
O’Neill described the squad as well balanced, retaining many players from the All‑Ireland‑winning team. He highlighted the addition of six new players from the Paddy Buggy‑winning Maghera side and eight or nine from the Minor County champions Kevin Lynch’s, saying the group is optimistic for 2027.
Source: www.derrynow.com
