Derry manager Rory Gallagher says his players have shown incredible hunger since October 2020 to gain promotion back to the top flight in the Allianz Football League.
A relatively straightforward 10-point victory over Clare at Owenbeg saw them maintain their 100% record in Division 2, and mathematically secure their place in Division 1 for 2024.
The reigning Ulster champions have a game to come against Cork next weekend, before they'll face Dublin or Louth in the second tier decider at Croke Park on the first Sunday in April.
Speaking to RTÉ's Sunday Sport, Gallagher expressed pride in his panel's achievement.
"We wanted to get promoted, 100%," he said afterwards.
"Last year we were a bit unlucky. We were disappointed, but ultimately we weren't good enough and we had to reflect on that.
"There's been no easy games. It's been a hard slog but it's great testament to the character, hunger and obsession with the boys of getting better.
"I'm really pleased for them.
"Since we came back from Covid - that's October 2020 - today was the 20th league game we've played; we won 18, lost one and drawn one.
"We believe we've been good enough to get out of Division 3 and Division 2, but there's bigger tests ahead. For now we'll just be glad to be there."
Nine years ago Derry were in the Division 1 final at Croke Park. That was against a Dublin in a game they lost heavily, and it set them back as they suffered three relegations in four seasons.
Now, with a return to the top flight in the bag, the Oak Leaf county will prepare for the league final next month, as well as the beginning of the defence of their Ulster title.
"We want to take a week's break after the league, but we'll take it this week and recharge, because it's 27 days until we've to go to Brewster Park and face Fermanagh in the Championship.
"Clearly we'll try to do our best in the Cork and {Dublin or Louth game] but we'll be using them as preparation for the championship."
Clare's astonishing seven-year spell in Division 2 came to an end with the defeat as they joined Limerick in falling through the trap door.
After starting the spring brightly by inflicting defeat on Louth - who can still gain promotion next week - the Banner agonisingly lost to Leinster duo Kildare and Dublin in consecutive weeks.
From there they were on the back foot, leaving themselves too much to do in their bid to stretch the run in the second tier out to eight years.
"There's great credit due to Derry, they're a fine side," Clare manager Colm Collins told RTÉ Sport afterwards.
"I would be very disappointed with our display. We should have been a lot better than that, and we weren't. I think the lads will be very disappointed with that.
"We played well but didn't bring home the bacon [in other games]. It's all about points on the board. The table doesn't lie and you can't be looking for sympathy now.
"It's simple enough, we need to dust ourselves down and get back up on the horse, and put in a really big display against Limerick in preparation for a Munster championship game.
"We need to get our act together and that'll happen; these are a great bunch of lads. That's the thing people sometimes forget, nobody will be hurting more than them."
