RTÉ GAA analyst Oisín McConville has said that there is no ceiling for Rory Gallagher's Derry despite a demoralising All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway on Saturday.
The Oakleaf County were riding a crest of a wave into the fixture having won a first Ulster title since 1998 while they hammered Clare in the quarter-final. Despite a good start, Damien Comer netted twice to end their journey though, the Tribesmen winning out 2-08 to 1-06.
For McConville, Derry’s journey may only be starting.
"I know it would have been heartbreaking for them, but they have to remember where they have come from to where they are now," he said.
"What a challenging year it’s been but such a rewarding year. To win an Ulster title from where they’ve come from but also there is a real air of expectation now in Derry and they have to try and live up to that.
"I think some of the young players will realise what it takes to get to the next level.
"They’re at a certain level, I don’t think there’s necessarily a ceiling for the Derry team."
McConville doesn't believe that the gap between Derry and All-Ireland finalists Galway and Kerry is that wide, but he did say that it’s important that they keep all their talent on board.
"A lot of people were saying it was men against boys, I don’t think that was a case. I just think it’s a team that might need those couple of years.
Oisín McConville on why Galway using a focal point in their full-forward line in the second half was ultimately key to their victory @TheSundayGame #DUBvKER #rtegaa pic.twitter.com/2Z2NWSFKuO
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 10, 2022
"There are a few players like Chrissy McKaigue, hopefully he can hang on and stay in there for another two or three years. Those young lands will benefit immeasurably from what went on, even the guys who came off the bench.
"It’s going to take them another couple of years before they can really challenge physically and every other way at that level."
