Boyne put faith in Eastwood ahead of Leinster League return

GRAEME Eastwood will spearhead Boyne’s attempts to bounce straight back to the All-Ireland League after it was confirmed that last season’s head coach will remain at Shamrock Lodge for 2017/18.

The Cookstown-based former Newry coach almost succeeded in keeping the Drogheda club in the AIL for a seventh year, but they were eventually relegated after a home play-off defeat by Omagh.

With the dust barely settled from that disappointing day four weeks ago, Eastwood has already begun the process of putting together a strong squad, unveiling four new signings over the weekend, all of whom are forwards.

Perhaps the most significant is back row Karl Keogh, who was formerly with Boyne before transferring to Dolphin. He was a highly regarded member of the team before his departure and, unusually for a back row forward, is also an excellent place kicker.

Also joining Boyne for the new season is another back row specialist, Kevin Prendergast, who has been signed from Monkstown.

The other newcomers are cousins Cathal and Darren McNally who have both been recruited from Eastwood’s former club Newry.

Cathal, who represented Dundalk in the 2015/16 AIL, is a front or second row and is known as a great scrummager, while Darren is a loosehead or tighthead prop.

It’s understood that a number of changes are being considered to the remainder of the management team, but details have yet to be confirmed by the club.