Derry have earned the right to contest Ulster final - Rory Gallagher

Rory Gallagher believes that his Derry side earned the right to play in this year's Ulster championship final following a hard-fought, yet impressive, victory over Monaghan at the Athletic Grounds.

Derry qualified for their first provincial decider since 2011 – they have not won the Anglo Celt Cup since 1998 – with a comprehensive 3 12 to 0-17 win over Monaghan in Armagh, and Gallagher felt that his side’s three goals proved crucial to the victory.

The first arrived early in the game and it appeared to come straight from the training ground, as Gareth McKinless burst clear of his marker, joined in the attack and powered home from close range as Derry raced into a five-point lead before Monaghan had registered a score.

The second goal was in the image of Monaghan’s own style as Odhran Lynch took a leaf out of Rory Beggan’s book as goalkeeper turned provider, pinpointing a long-range pass perfectly to Niall Toner.

Toner then fed Benny Heron and another close-range chance presented itself, with the same outcome, as the ball flew past the Monaghan stopper, as Beggan had no chance, with Derry leading by seven points at the break.

Gallagher believes that Monaghan are one of the strongest sides in the country and compares them to Tyrone, and knew that his side had to maintain their focus despite taking a commanding lead into the break.

After a disappointing first half Monaghan took the game to Derry throughout the second period, and while they closed the gap to three points at one stage, it was as close as they got to the Oak Leaf side.

Heron’s second goal of the game, and Derry’s third, then put the game out of reach for the Farney County as Gallagher’s side remained clear to progress to this year’s final, where they will meet the