Derry’s opening match in the National League resulted in a loss to Meath, marking their 13th consecutive game without a win in either league or championship since they secured victory on penalties in the 2024 All-Ireland series.
The decline began earlier that year when Donegal delivered a shock defeat in the Ulster Championship, scoring four goals during their impressive victory at Celtic Park. This was surprising, considering that the Oak Leafers had previously won the National League and were expected to be strong contenders for the Sam Maguire Trophy.
As Mickey Harte’s time as manager transitioned into Paddy Tally’s one-year term in 2025, Derry struggled to break free from a challenging phase.
Ciaran Meenagh, who took over as interim boss and led the team to an Ulster title after Rory Gallagher’s mid-season exit in 2023, returned to the role full-time this year. However, their defeat to the Royals in Croke Park on January 24 raised concerns about an uphill battle ahead.
“I mentioned after Paddy’s tenure, following Mickey’s as well, it ultimately falls on the players,” reflected Derry midfielder Conor Glass. “You can do all the preparation you want, but once you’re on the pitch, it’s up to us. Last season, we found ourselves in winning positions; managers can’t bear the blame alone.”
Sometimes, all it takes is a single spark to reverse a downward trend. A hard-fought three-point victory over Tyrone at Celtic Park proved to be that catalyst, as Derry went on to win four of their last five matches in Division Two.
Though a loss to Louth dashed their promotion hopes, there is optimism that they have turned a corner, and the January win over their neighbors has rejuvenated the team.
“There was a lot of lingering disappointment, so whether it was by one point or ten, we just wanted to win that day,” Glass recalled. “The celebrations afterward showed how much it meant to us—not just as players, but for Derry fans as well.”
With that sense of “scar tissue” behind them, Derry seems to have regained their confidence, demonstrated by a remarkable 20-point victory over Cork in early March.
Following the setback against Louth, which Glass felt brought them “back down to earth,” the team bounced back to finish the league on a high note with a win over Cavan.
They might face the Breffni men again if they succeed against Antrim on Saturday, but given the challenges Derry has faced, they are not taking anything for granted despite being the favorites.
Ciaran Meenagh’s squad aims for a spot in the Ulster final on May 17, yet the players know not to assume anything based on past experiences.
While Glass asserts that Derry “still see ourselves as one of the top teams in Ireland,” he echoes the sentiment of legendary Tipperary hurling manager Michael ‘Babs’ Keating, who stated that a compliment is only inches away from a setback—something Derry knows all too well.
They will respect Antrim’s potential this week, and if they win, will shift their focus to the next challenge.
“We haven’t earned the right to look down on any opponent given our performances over the last two years,” he emphasized. “There are no easy draws in Ulster football, and while we have a more favorable side of the draw, it’s not going to be straightforward. Cavan, Monaghan, and Antrim are all strong inter-county teams, not club sides. Our priority is to focus on our own performance, and if we can deliver a solid display over the next two games, we hope to find ourselves in Clones on Ulster Final day.”