It’s 2023 objective No. 1 complete for Rory Gallagher’s men who can now turn their attentions to an Ulster Championship opener against Fermanagh on April 15th. Derry also have a Division Two final to look forward to and a day out in Croke Park for the fans who once against turned up in their numbers to watch the Oak Leafers secure their top flight return with an emphatic victory over Clare on Sunday. Of course, the Journal’s George Sweeney was there and here are just a few of his stand out images from another memorable day . . .
. Some of the children who took part in a football game during half-time at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 32
ARE YOU WATCHING, RORY? Some of the children who took part in a football game during half-time at Owenbeg on Sunday. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 32 Photo: George Sweeney
. Rory Gallagher poses for a photo after Derry’s victory over Clare at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS - 18
Rory Gallagher poses for a photo after Derry’s victory over Clare at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS - 18 Photo: George Sweeney
. Derry’s Padraig McGrogan and Chrisse McKaigue scuffle with Clare players during Sunday’s game in Owenbeg. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 07
Derry’s Padraig McGrogan and Chrisse McKaigue scuffle with Clare players during Sunday’s game in Owenbeg. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 07 Photo: George Sweeney
. Niall Toner signs autographs after Derry’s victory over Clare at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS - 16
Niall Toner signs autographs after Derry’s victory over Clare at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS - 16 Photo: George Sweeney
. Derry’s Paul Cassidy is challenged by Clare’s Dermot Coughlan at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 02
Derry’s Paul Cassidy is challenged by Clare’s Dermot Coughlan at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 02 Photo: George Sweeney
. One of the Primary School boys from Cumann na mBunscol who took part in a football game during half-time at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 29
One of the Primary School boys from Cumann na mBunscol who took part in a football game during half-time at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 29 Photo: George Sweeney
. One of the children who took part in a football game during half-time at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 31
One of the children who took part in a football game during half-time at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 31 Photo: George Sweeney
. Clare’s Pearse Lillis gets to grips with Brendan Rogers of Derry in Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2310GS – 08
Clare’s Pearse Lillis gets to grips with Brendan Rogers of Derry in Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2310GS – 08 Photo: George Sweeney
. Some of the children who took part in a football game during half-time at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 30
Some of the children who took part in a football game during half-time at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 30 Photo: George Sweeney
. Derry’s Shane McGuigan shields the ball from Clare’s Cillian Brennan during the game in Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 03
Derry’s Shane McGuigan shields the ball from Clare’s Cillian Brennan during the game in Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 03 Photo: George Sweeney
. Primary School boys from Cumann na mBunscol who took part in a football game during half-time at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 28
Primary School boys from Cumann na mBunscol who took part in a football game during half-time at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 28 Photo: George Sweeney
. Conor Glass signs autographs after Derry’s victory over Clare at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS - 15
Conor Glass signs autographs after Derry’s victory over Clare at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS - 15 Photo: George Sweeney
1. Rory Gallagher poses for a photo after Derry’s victory over Clare at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS - 18
Rory Gallagher poses for a photo after Derry’s victory over Clare at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS - 18 Photo: George Sweeney
2. Derry’s Padraig McGrogan and Chrisse McKaigue scuffle with Clare players during Sunday’s game in Owenbeg. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 07
Derry’s Padraig McGrogan and Chrisse McKaigue scuffle with Clare players during Sunday’s game in Owenbeg. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 07 Photo: George Sweeney
3. Niall Toner signs autographs after Derry’s victory over Clare at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS - 16
Niall Toner signs autographs after Derry’s victory over Clare at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS - 16 Photo: George Sweeney
4. Derry’s Paul Cassidy is challenged by Clare’s Dermot Coughlan at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 02
Derry’s Paul Cassidy is challenged by Clare’s Dermot Coughlan at Owenbeg on Sunday afternoon. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2312GS – 02 Photo: George Sweeney