“It’s only a coming of age if we perform the next day.”
To defeat the All-Ireland champions in their own backyard, in the Ulster championship no less, is not something that can be pulled off with just a bit of luck.
It takes a crazy amount of work, commitment, and belief to reach the levels that Derry did yesterday when they beat Tyrone at Healy Park.
When you think back to where they came from as well, it’s even more impressive, because when Rory Gallagher first took charge of the Oakleaf county, they were sitting in the fourth Division, and didn’t look to pose any real threat to the championship.
“They’ve had a tough time in Ulster, and it’s not that long ago they were in Division 4,” Gallagher told RTE Sport.
“We just spent a lot of time together and committed really well together. We beat Tyrone today and were better today but they have been an outstanding team over the last 25-30 years.
“They’re something I certainly aspire to and try to learn a lot from their commitment to each other.
“It’s only a coming of age if we perform the next day but I have no doubt we’ll stay level-headed and get on with it. But we’ll enjoy today for what it is.
“Whether Tyrone are All-Ireland champions or not, they’ve had the Indian sign over these boys and given them a couple of severe hammerings, in 2015 and 2016.
“We’d like to think, even though there are a lot of those players playing, this is a new team, this is a new beginning, and we’re enjoying it,” he added.
Before yesterday’s win, only three Derry players in that starting 15 had actually won an Ulster championship game, so this was an almighty win for so many reasons.
“It’s only a coming of age if we perform the next day but I have no doubt we’ll stay level-headed and get on with it. But we’ll enjoy today for what it is.
“Whether Tyrone are All-Ireland champions or not, they’ve had the Indian sign over these boys and given them a couple of severe hammerings, in 2015 and 2016.
“We’d like to think, even though there are a lot of those players playing, this is a new team, this is a new beginning, and we’re enjoying it,” he added.
“Just to play as a team, be absolutely united and do everything together,” he replied, when asked what was the masterplan.
“Just putting the team first, with or without the ball. I’m very impressed with the way they have committed to each other in the last 18 months.
“Didn’t particularly enjoy the first eight or nine months but together with the county board we just kept building on it.”
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