O'Kane takes charge of Derry hurlers

The Derry hurling panel have a new manager at the helm for the 2010 season following the ratification of James O'Kane's appointment.

Banagher clubman O'Kane replaces 1993 All-Ireland SFC winner Brian McGilligan who was in charge of the Oak Leaf hurlers for the past two seasons.

O'Kane's backroom team has an experienced look to it with Sean McCloskey, Liam Hinphey snr, Collie McGurk and Luke McCloskey coming on board.

Derry failed to win any senior silverware during McGilligan's reign, but he did guide the county's Under-21s to back-to-back Ulster titles.

In 2009, Derry fell to Down in an Ulster SHC semi-final and were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the Christy Ring Cup by Kerry.

Indeed, the Oaf Leafers have not contested an Ulster final since 2003 with their last senior provincial title win back in 2001.

New boss O'Kane, a teacher at St Patrick's College, Maghera, steered the school team to an All Ireland 'B' Senior Colleges title three years ago and many of that team have graduated to the current Derry senior squad.

Derry open their National League Division 3A campaign against Kerry at Celtic Park on February 21.