Brendan Rogers is determined that Derry don’t bask in the glory of their Ulster title win as they move into the All-Ireland series.
With a quarter-final tie against Clare at Croke Park on Saturday, Derry are eying a first All-Ireland semi-final appearance since 2004 on the back of bridging a 24-year gap to their last provincial crown.
The four-week gap between the win over Donegal and the quarter-final has been welcome as Derry marked the achievement - but it’s back to business now for Rogers and Co.
Read more: The cost of going to Croke Park - how much will GAA fans be out of pocket this weekend?
He said: “I would always have said the most memorable thing about winning is the first 10 seconds after the final whistle.
“That bit of euphoria and relief too when the game is over and that you are victorious and those are the most special moments that live with me. And I guess the rush of the crowd and seeing all the flags when Chrissy (McKaigue) was lifting the cup. Those are the special moments.
“Outside of that, just the enjoyment that people are having around the local areas.
“There’s talking and it’s in the media and one thing and another, but just to generally see happy faces over a game of football is quite a special thing in Derry at the minute, and that does give you that bit of inspiration to keep going and keep putting yourself in the right place and keep focusing on what we do best, is playing football.
“As much as it has been a good buzz, it’s back to football for us, because we want to keep doing what we are doing.
“We don’t want to just rest on an Ulster final,” added Rogers, who was named PwC Player for the Month for May after his performances in Derry’s run, particularly against Donegal.
Although the Slaughtneil man slotted 0-3 against Donegal, his primary duty as a defender is to shut down the opposition and, as attention turns to Clare, he may well be detailed with the task of marking Keelan Sexton, who hit 2-6 in their qualifier win over Roscommon.
Rogers said: “We played Clare in the National League and he was playing that day. I’m aware of his talents and he showed some skill that day as well.
“He was a very influential player for them when they needed him. He’ll probably be something similar when we play them again.
“The team was a very well coached team and have been a very consistent Division Two team for the last number of years. You can never take that for granted.”
Read next:
- Armagh vs Galway: Tribesmen believe they can go all the way says Shane Walsh
Derry vs Clare: Rory Gallagher provides an injury update ahead of Banner battle
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