Derry minor football manager Paddy Campbell has called on the Ulster Council to revive the tradition of playing minor championships games as curtain-raisers to senior championship games.

The tradition stood until last year when the minor age group was lowered from U18 to U17. The Ulster MFC now commences in April, with Down and Monaghan meeting in the preliminary round tomorrow evening in Clones.

Speaking to the Irish News at the launch of the 2019 Ulster MFC last Monday night, Campbell noted that the decision to dispense with minor curtain-raisers deprived young players of the opportunity to play in front of big crowds.

“I think, in hindsight, it was a mistake,” the former Donegal defender said.

“It’s probably unfair on the kids themselves that they don’t have that big day out before the senior game where their parents are in the stand watching them. I’ll not be minor manager forever, but I think it’s something the Ulster Council should look at again because it is a massive opportunity for them.

"Hopefully after giving this a go after two years they may reconsider that. It would be a massive boost for the U17 players.”

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