Derry have won the Electric Ireland Minor football championship for the sixth time in their history overcoming a spirited Monaghan side by seven points at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in Armagh.
The Oak Leafers have gotten their hands on the Tom Markham Cup for the first time since they defeated Kerry in the 2021 final in Tullamore.
Derry lead throughout the game and always looked to have the edge over their opponents, who were looking to win their first ever All-Ireland title.
Despite having Cahir Spiers sent off after forty minutes, Derry managed to score a goal minutes later when half-back James Sargent palmed the ball into the back of the net.
#GAABEO 47 nóim@Doiregaa 1-11(14)@monaghangaa 0-7
Cuma ar an scéal go bhfuil an t-imreoir sa bhreis ag Doire 🤯
James Sargent with a GOAL@ElectricIreland @GAA_BEO
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/uXYBJzd7dV— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) July 9, 2023
Manager Damian McErlain was left delighted after the game.
#GAABEO @Doiregaa Bainisteoir buaiteach Damien McErlain ag labhairt linn tar éis an chluiche
'The development squads are definitely bringing players on' @ElectricIreland @GAA_BEO
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/lSpmPDjbDl— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) July 9, 2023
Derry manager McErlain thrilled after All-Ireland win
"It's absolutely brilliant," McErlain, who had managed Derry to an All-Ireland final in 2017, said.
"It's been a long road, our 13th game of the season, 10th championship match. We've came the hard road. Ulster was tough itself and we had a tough challenge from Monaghan today but thankfully we got over the line.
"We were down to 14 men in the semi-final and that happened here with 20 minutes to go today. We really kicked on from it. Monaghan sort of came at us but we showed maturity.
"Derry is a proud football county. We're going well with the seniors, it's good to have the back up at the top table."
McErlain also paid tribute to Man of the Match Conall Higgins.
"As for Conall he's been sick and injured twice since the Ulster final so to come and get Man of the Match, fair play to him."
Today's win kickstarts a huge week for Derry football with the senior team facing Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final next weekend at Croke Park.
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