Doherty's star will keep rising: Bradley

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Thursday, May 08, 2008

By John Campbell

It was a double coup for Derry yesterday. Not only did Paddy Bradley receive the Tennent's Ulster GAA Writers monthly merit award for April but his Oak Leaf colleague Fergal Doherty carried off the GAA Allstars Player of the Month accolade at a special ceremony in Dublin.

Doherty's imposing presence at midfield sustained Derry's successful bid for the National League title and he reserved his best performance for the final against Kerry.

His awesome contribution in that match, highlighted by a crucial goal in the first-half when his side were on the rack, had much to do with Derry's triumph - a fact recognised by GAA President Nickey Brennan at yesterday's presentation at the Westbury Hotel.

"The success enjoyed by Derry in the league could well prove the catalyst for further triumphs along the line," said Brennan.

He directed similar sentiments at Tipperary who had the outstanding Shane McGrath similarly honoured for his magnificent input into their National Hurling League title coup.

Indeed, both Doherty and McGrath have been nominated for All Stars in the past two seasons, testimony to their ongoing consistency.

McGrath has been fast establishing himself as one of the top young midfielders in the country, which he proved with an outstanding display in the National League decider against Galway.

Derry county board chairman Seamus McCloy accompanied Doherty to Dublin for his presentation while county secretary Danny Scullion, Glenullin club chairman Martin Mullan and team manager Kevin Madden along with Banagher boss Liam Bradley, Paddy's father, were among the guests at the Belfast ceremony in honour of Paddy Bradley.

McCloy, understandably elated at the double honour that has come Derry's win on the same day, expressed the view that there is more to come from the team.

We have felt that we have the capacity to deliver success and although the National League crown may not have quite the same allure as the Ulster or All Ireland crowns, nonetheless it is a significant achievement and will certainly provide us with added impetus for our forthcoming provincial campaign in which we will meet Donegal in our opening game," said McCloy.

Leaf colleague Fergal Doherty carried off the GAA Allstars Player of the Month accolade at a special ceremony in Dublin.

Doherty's imposing presence at midfield sustained Derry's successful bid for the National League title and he reserved his best performance for the final against Kerry.