O'Doherty's interest keener than ever as Derry's splurge has all signs pointing north

Not since 1997 have the Foylesiders been League of Ireland champions but as 2026 campaign kicks off, their benefactor's outlay sets them up to challenge Shamrock Rovers at the top

THE WAY AHEAD: Derry City players, Patrick McClean, left, and James McClean celebrate after the 2026 Men's President's Cup final match between Shamrock Rovers and Derry City at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Anyone deriding Philip O'Doherty for squandering his riches on bankrolling Derry City’s bid for a first title in 39 years should consider the billionaire’s income from interest alone.

By his own admission, the self-made local doesn’t splurge on material goods and was faring well financially even before Vertiv shelled out €1.7bn in 2021 for his E&I Engineering company.