Shamrocks Signal Intent

The appointment of James McCartan as the new manager of Ballinderry Shamrocks will certainly raise one or two eyebrows around the county, not to mention on the Loughshore itself. The current Derry Senior champions are not renowned for looking to an 'outside man' to take charge of their footballers, so McCartan's arrival smacks of a Club that means business for the season ahead. And when I say business I specifically refer to the Ulster Club Championship.

Ballinderry claimed county honours in 2006 and 2008, but on both occasions they fell to Crossmaglen at the Ulster Final stage. In December they were beaten by the Armagh Kingpins in an Ulster Final replay at Brewster Park, and there is no doubt they will hope the former Down All-Ireland winner can help take them that extra step back to the All-Ireland stage (where they were so successful back in 2002).

McCartan managed Queen's University to Sigerson Cup glory in 2007, and last year guided St. Gall's to an Antrim title (however they went on to lose to Cavan Gaels in the Ulster Championship). With Bellaghy, Slaughtneil, Glenullin, Loup, Ballinascreen and Kilrea also under new management, it looks like we could have an interesting Club campaign in 2009. Ballinderry have taken a risk bringing in McCartan, but it will add a fresh impetus to their setup. Soon enough though he'll realise how tough the Derry Club scene is; Ulster will be the last thing on his mind!