Rory Gallagher and the Derry boys eyeing up more 'good days'

Achieving promotion from Division 2 this year would have completed Derry's rise from the footballing nadir.

A draw against Roscommon and then a heavy defeat at home to Galway de-railed the Ulster side's momentum, however. No jump then from Division 4 to Division 1 in successive seasons.

Still, you sensed that Rory Gallagher's side were on a mission of sorts.

The Ulster draw was tough, but they were more than just 'dark horses' in the mix for the Anglo Celt.

Their dismissal of Tyrone was brilliantly executed, a rigid defensive set-up that the Red Hand could not break. When midfielder Brian Kennedy was red-carded shortly before half-time, Derry sensed blood.

A goal shortly after half-time put distance between the sides. Tyrone's implosion was in marked contrast to how efficient Derry were in carrying out their plan. It was no ambush. Gallagher's side were now genuine provincial contenders.

Monaghan were next up.

Talk ahead of the game centred on the Monaghan 'challenge' - Derry no longer had that element of surprise, yet their plan to counter the Farney worked a treat. Derry's suffocation of their opponents' attacking strategy was planned in detail and precision, and carried out to the letter by a group of players who worked relentlessly, frustrating 'Banty's' men throughout the first half.

With 15 men behind the ball, they closed down the space, turned over possession and broke at pace to pick off the scores that saw them build up a sizeable lead, stunning Monaghan with two first-half goals from Gareth McKinless and Benny Heron. Monaghan rallied, but to no avail.

And so to Ulster final day in Clones. Gallagher reacquainted with Donegal, a decade on from helping Jim McGuinness win matches, including an All-Ireland. The pair would