Carlow and Westmeath claimed wins in the opening round of Division 2A of the Hurling League this afternoon.

Reigning Power NI Dr. McKenna Cup champions Derry claimed their second win in the competition, beating UUJ 1-16 to 0-14, as substitute Paddy Bradley marked his return from injury with the only goal of the Celtic Park encounter.

ANTRIM 0-13 DERRY 1-18

Sligo 0-08 Derry 0-11

Marty Clarke spared Down's blushes as they secured a late draw with Antrim, while Derry ousted Queen's University in the only games to take place tonight in a weather-hit Dr. McKenna Cup.

Donegal, Antrim, Derry and Armagh claimed opening round wins in the Dr McKenna Cup tonight.

Derry football manager Damien Cassidy has been handed more bad news as it has emerged that Paddy Bradley may be ruled out for the Oak Leafers' Ulster Senior Football Championship opener against Armagh after sustaining an injury while in action for his club last night.

Michael Fitzsimons will make his NFL debut for Dublin against Derry on Saturday night, as the Leinster champions' manager Pat Gilroy continues to blood new players.

Nominations for the position of Derry senior football manager closed last night and six men are in contention to replace Paddy Crozier, who ended his tenure last month.

Sean Marty Lockhart comes in as one of four changes to the Derry team for Sunday's Ulster SFC quarter-final tie with Donegal (Ballybofey, throw-in 4pm).

Derry 3-12 Clare 2-14, Croke Park

Derry manager Paddy Crozier has named an unchanged team for tomorrow's eagerly awaited All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Dublin at Croke Park, throw-in 3pm.

Paddy Bradley has not been included in the Derry side for Sunday's Ulster SFC quarter-final against Antrim (Casement Park, throw-in 4.15pm).

Damien Fox's Laois hurlers got their NHL Division 2A campaign off to a blistering start at O'Moore Park in Portlaoise today, with a facile 3-26 to 2-9 victory over Derry.

Derry manager Paddy Crozier has a number of players back in contention for Saturday's All-Ireland SFC third round qualifier against Longford (Pearse Park, throw-in 5pm).

New Derry football manager Paddy Crozier has confirmed his selectors for the 2006 season.

Derry are resigned to being without half back Paul McFlynn for the next two months of championship action.

2004 All-star Enda Muldoon will start for Derry in Sunday's All-Ireland SFC third round qualifier against Limerick.

Midfielder Fergal Doherty is definitely out of Derry's SFC qualifier against Limerick on Sunday due to an ankle injury.

Derry 1-14 Queen's University 1-08

Derry football coach John Morrison has been hit with an eight-week ban - and will sit out the Oak Leafers' Ulster opener with Tyrone.