McKaigue: 'I don't think Rory realised how bad a place Derry were in'

The perception of a group of players with their boots stuck in quicksand was strong...

Thu, 23 Jun, 2022 - 07:15

Paul Keane

A few months before Rory Gallagher took over as Derry manager in September of 2019, they were operating out of Division 4. Laois travelled up to Owenbeg that summer and beat them in a Round 2 qualifier. The perception of a group of players with their boots stuck in quicksand was strong.

"When Rory came in, and I think he'd laugh about it now, but I don't think he realised just how bad a place Derry were in," says captain Chrissy McKaigue, looking back now from the summit of Ulster.