"It's a massive game for us now" - Derry manager McGarvey
There is massive incentive for both groups of players going into Sunday’s game
Christy Ring Cup - London vs. Derry, McGovern Park, Sunday, 12:30pm
Derry manager Johnny McGarvey believes that London’s shock victory over Meath at the weekend has placed even more importance on this weekend’s game at McGovern Park.
London were the name on everyone’s lips following their shock yet dominating victory over Meath on Saturday, winning 5-18 to 0-21 to raise the stakes for this weekend’s encounter even more so. Derry’s 1-21, 1-17 win over Donegal means that there is massive incentive for both groups of players going into Sunday’s game.
“That’s a massive result for them, absolutely massive,” McGarvey agreed. “I don’t think anybody really seen it coming, but we know how good a side they are and we know the quality that they have. Their results sort of fluctuate a bit and some of their results be a bit strange at times, but we’re going over there now and it’s now a massive game.”
One of McGarvey’s most important moments as Derry manager arrived very early into his tenure in 2023, when his team travelled to London and, against all odds, won at incredible game 1-30 to 4-19. That game put Derry a huge step towards the Christy Ring final and showcased the spirit and determination that have since become hallmarks of any Derry team under McGarvey.
“It was a crazy game,” he acknowledged. “I suppose what happened a couple of years ago really woke us up that London are a good side, and they’re well capable of competing in this competition, so we’re going to have to be at it when we go to London this weekend.”
Just over three weeks ago, Derry defeated Donegal by 20 points in Letterkenny, but the game at Celtic Park at the weekend was much different, with just four points separating the sides come the final whistle.
“That happens,” McGarvey said. “You see it so often that results like that happen and then you see it the next time that the team comes back and then they win the match because they have that motivational side. I never thought we were going to be caught in that area and we didn’t think it even in the first half when they were probably the better side and they were playing with the big breeze coming down the pitch. I don’t think that’s what it was about, they were just playing really well. They were playing at the level they play at.”
Derry manager Johnny McGarvey.
“I think that’s important,” McGarvey agreed. “You can probably see that, like with Cormac (O’Doherty) there who’s just back after a long-term injury. He had 20 minutes against Meath and he had 20 minutes against Donegal the last day. That’s his first 70 minutes and he looks a wee bit frustrated there. It’s going to take him time to get back to himself. Look, we had a couple of boys who picked up injuries there today but the squad is good and it’s strong and we’re moving onto London.”
Having come so close to winning the competition in recent years – losing three of the last four finals, and the last two consecutively, McGarvey is hoping it is finally Derry’s year.
“It’s important for everybody, and important for everybody that’s involved with our team,” he stated. “We’ve been trying to get over the line in this competition for a very long time, and if we don’t do it this year then we’ll move on and try to do it next year. That’s just the nature of competitive sport and just the way it is.”