The demise and rise of Derry football

The date 25 March, 2018 might not jump out straight away to Derry fans, but on closer inspection it should, because that represented the nadir of their struggles back then – it was the day they dropped through the trapdoor and into Division 4.

The margins were thin with Damian McErlain's men losing to Sligo by just two points in round seven and that loss, coupled with Offaly’s win in Westmeath, sent them down. A draw would have saved them, but they couldn’t rescue the situation.

Four years after taking the scalps of Kerry, Mayo and Dublin in a season that ended with a Division 1 final defeat to Jim Gavin’s side, the Ulster side were now preparing for the prospect of facing lesser lights such as London, Waterford and Wicklow.

Four years on from that, however, Rory Gallagher’s side are dreaming again of the Kerrys, Tyrones and Dublins of this world – if the latter escape relegation - after three wins from three to date in the Allianz Football League.

Those six Division 2 points were accumulated with the minimum of fuss as Down, Offaly and Cork were dealt with easily. Between them, those three teams managed the grand total of 0-20.

Sunday’s clash with Clare in Ennis is sure to be a step up but if the Oak Leaf County can head north with another win tagged on, then promotion will be within touching distance.

Former Derry captain Gerard O’Kane spent 13 seasons in the red and white from 2004 until 2016, and while the supporters may have been up in arms about their fall through the divisions a few years ago, he wasn’t panicking.

Barry Cahill believes that Derry could be set for a big season after their great start to Division 2. @GameOn2FM pic.twitter.com/zJTz4pGd1B

"I know it’s easy to say in hindsight but I did say at the time that