Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Eoin Brosnan | Paddy Bradley | Sean Cavanagh Aidan Carr | Kevin Cassidy | Ronan Clarke | Bryan Cullen | Colm Cooper
Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Kieran Donahy | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Leighton Glynn | Ciaran Hanratty
Stephen Kernan | James Masters | Andy McClean | Oisin McConville
Ciaran McDonald | Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Barry Monaghan
Finnian Moriarty | Adrian Morrissey | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Nicholas Murphy | Eamon O'Hara | Stephen O'Neill
Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé | Declan O'Sullivan | Colm Parkinson | Tomás Quinn
Donal Shine | Ciaran Whelan | Fergal Doherty
Mighty midfielder, Fergal Doherty will be a vital cog in Derry’s quest for All-Ireland glory this summer. Throughout the NFL campaign he was the engine at midfield, making great catches, winning breaking ball and setting up attack after attack. It was this form that drove Derry to this year’s National League final where they beat a fancied Kerry by 2-13 to 2-09. Fergal was outstanding on the day and he was picked as the Man of the Match.
The Oak Leaf midfield maestro is hoping to make it further in the Championship this year after losing narrowly to Dublin at the quarter-final stage last year. But first, they have to get through the toughest province in the Championship, Ulster. As luck would have it, they face the 2007 NFL Champions Donegal in the first round - so a League Leader clash awaits.
Fergal is totally focused on this clash and is hoping that Derry can carry their good form into the Championship. With the likes of Paddy Bradley, Kevin McCloy and Conleith Gilligan on top form everyone in Derry is looking forward to a long hot summer of Championship action.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
I have had many great moments with both Derry and my club Bellaghy. Winning the Ulster Club Championship in 2000 was a terrific occasion, but winning the National League with Derry, and being awarded Man of the Match, was an occasion I will never forget.
Which is the toughest team you have faced?
Has to be Kerry, their record speaks for itself. We have already played them twice this year and their passing, score-taking and support play is brilliant.
Who was your toughest ever opponent?
Playing in midfield, sure all opponents are tough, but Ciaran Whelan’s high fielding makes him a tough opponent to play against.
Which players do you admire the most?
Kieran Donaghy for high-catching, Paddy Bradley for score-taking.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
Anthony Tohill, once rated as the most complete footballer, and the country’s greatest athlete.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Wolfe Tones Bellaghy. Our greatest rivals would be our near neighbours Lavey. Both clubs have a great Championship tradition, both having collected the All-Ireland Club Championship crown. Naturally, when we meet it is a great occasion.
Do you have any superstitions?
Not really, but I always prefer to wear the No 8 shirt.
What are your hopes for Derry’s future?
Winning the National League title has ended the famine of silverware in Derry. Anything after that in the Championship would be a bonus.
What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
I’d teach all the basics of the game, concentrating on the pick up, catching, and most importantly kicking with both feet. I feel coaches nowadays complicate the game too much and don’t place enough emphasis on these basic skills. Enjoyment, of course, is the other key element.
How do you balance your job and football?
Work hard, play hard is my motto. I have to as I work with my father.
Name: Fergal Doherty
Age: 26
Team: Derry
Debut: 2001
Position: Midfield
Honours:
1 National Football League title,
1 Ulster Senior Club title,
2 Derry Senior Club titles
3 All-Star Nominations.
Club: Bellaghy Wolfe Tones
Favourite food: Pasta
Favourite book: The Boylan Years
Favourite band: U2
Favourite movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Favourite TV: The Simpsons
Occupation: Roofing Contractor
© March 2008 |
