Derry ended a 24-year wait to lift the Anglo Celt and they have emerged as dark horses for the All-Ireland title having already defeated three Division One sides thus far.
The newly-crowned Ulster senior football champions progress to the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals later this month.
The rise of Rory Gallagher's side and their impressive victories over Tyrone, Monaghan and Donegal has been the major talking point of the Championship campaign to date.
Read more: Ulster champions Derry have now 'arrived at the top table' says captain Chrissy McKaigue
Further accolades and honours may come later this summer, but Derry have also dominated our selection for the Ulster Senior Football Championship Team of the Year.
In total, nine Derry players feature in our selection with beaten finalists Donegal taking five positions while there is one Cavan player in the line-up.
1. Shaun Patton (Donegal)
He may have dipped below his brilliant best in the Ulster final, but Shaun Patton was immense in the wins over Armagh and Cavan. Saves to deny Armagh’s Aidan Nugent and Cavan’s James Smith came at vital times in both games. Average Championship rating: 7.3
2. Chrissy McKaigue (Derry)
The leader of this Derry team in many aspects. McKaigue has put the shackles on Darren McCurry (Tyrone), Jack McCarron (Monaghan) and Paddy McBrearty (Donegal) in the Championship season so far. The trio managed a mere two points from play between them - both from McCurry. Average Championship rating: 7.8
3. Brendan Rogers (Derry)
Endured some tricky moments against Cathal McShane in the early stages of Derry’s win over Tyrone, but finished on top of that battle. Hasn’t looked back since. Didn’t give Monaghan’s Gary Mohan a sniff and kicked three points from play in a man-of-the-match display in last Sunday’s Ulster final. Average Championship rating: 8.2
4. Conor McCluskey (Derry)
Completes a Derry clean sweep of the full-back line and demonstrates the core strength of Rory Gallagher’s side. Gave a masterclass in defending against Jamie Brennan in the Ulster final and is growing in confidence with each outing. Average Championship rating: 7.7
5. Ryan McHugh (Donegal)
One of the most intelligent players in the game, Ryan McHugh was instrumental in Donegal’s victory over Armagh. Backed it up with another solid display against Cavan. Fell below his best against Derry, but was still one of his side’s better players on the day. Average Championship rating: 7.3
6. Gareth McKinless (Derry)
If one man epitomised Derry’s desire to beat Tyrone in Omagh, it was Gareth McKinless. The Ballinderry ace tackled every Tyrone player who dared cross his path. Showed there is one than one string to his bow when finding the net in style against Monaghan and turned in another fine showing against Donegal. Average Championship rating: 7.7
7. Padraig McGrogan (Derry)
Sometimes doesn’t get the plaudits his defensive colleagues do, but Padraig McGrogan has barely put a foot wrong in three high-profile Championship outings. Excellent tackle to rob Michael Langan of the ball illustrated the undoubted defensive class of the Newbridge clubman. Average Championship rating: 7.2
8. Conor Glass (Derry)
His point at the end of extra-time in the Ulster final will be remembered by Derry fans for years to come. However, Conor Glass has been consistently brilliant for Derry ever since they dumped the 2021 holders Tyrone out of the Ulster SFC in Omagh. Gives Gallagher’s men a vital ball-winning presence at midfield. Average Championship rating: 7.7
9. Jason McGee (Donegal)
Donegal’s opening win over Armagh was built around their dominance of the middle third. Jason McGee was superb until an injury ended his game after 50 minutes. Enjoyed a fine battle with Glass in the Ulster final. Average Championship rating: 7.2
10. Peadar Mogan (Donegal)
Equally assured at wing-back or wing-forward, Peadar Mogan simply had to be included following his scintillating performance in the Ulster final. Kicked three stunning points, but Mogan was also excellent in the previous wins over Armagh and Cavan. Average Championship rating: 7.8
11. Shane McGuigan (Derry)
The focal point of the Derry attack, Shane McGuigan has added so much to his game under Rory Gallagher. Flashes of brilliance have been replaced by consistency, work-rate and leadership. Derry’s leading scorer in their Championship campaign with 1-17 so far. Average Championship rating: 7.7
12. Ethan Doherty (Derry)
One of Derry’s best players so far this season, Ethan Doherty was the man-of-the-match in the Ulster SFC semi-final win over Monaghan. Was also brilliant against Tyrone, but was one of the most influential players for Derry in their Ulster final win over Donegal and instigated the move which led to Niall Loughlin’s goal. Average Championship rating 8.2
13 Paddy Lynch (Cavan)
For 35 minutes, it looked as though Paddy Lynch was going to lead Cavan to another famous victory over Donegal. However, a few tactical switches helped swing the provincial semi-final in Donegal’s favour. Lynch also landed 0-9 on his Championship debut against Antrim. Average Championship rating: 8.5
14. Michael Murphy (Donegal)
His ability to perform in big Championship games came into question over the weekend and Michael Murphy wasn’t at his best against Derry. However, the Donegal skipper remains one of the game’s leading forwards. Was a contender for man-of-the-match in both their previous wins over Armagh and Cavan. His two points from play in the Ulster final were right out of the top drawer. Average Championship rating: 7.3
15. Niall Loughlin (Derry)
Any day you score 0-7 against the All-Ireland champions is a good day and Niall Loughlin nailed some vital frees against Tyrone to keep the Red Hands on the ropes. Picked up a hamstring injury against Monaghan, but was fit to start against Donegal and settled Derry’s nerves with a cool finish past Shaun Patton after 11 minutes. Average Championship rating: 7.5
Read more: Antrim vs Kerry: Joe McDonagh winners should gain All-Ireland SHC status says Darren Gleeson
Read more: Casement Park: Antrim football captain Peter Healy hopeful of playing at new stadium
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
