It wasn't that long ago that some Derry fans were expressing serious concern about the form of their minor side. Back in 2014, they had gone six years without getting past the first round of the Ulster Championship.
However, under the eye of Damian McErlain, who took over in 2015, they have been to two Ulster finals on the bounce, and booked their place in a third this past weekend.
It was a dominant display too against Antrim, strolling out 3-17 to 0-10 winners, leaving Joe Brolly's son Ruairí cutting a very frustrated figure as his side were unable to muster many real chances to close the gap.
After a big win, Derry's standout players dominate the shortlist for the voting for this week's Electric Ireland Minor Player of the Week poll. You can cast your ballot every week on the Electric Ireland's Facebook page, and get involved in the conversation through #GAAThisIsMajor.
Oisin McWilliams - Derry
With two goals late in the game, Oisin McWilliams earned his second nomination for Player of the Week so far this campaign, and is clearly a vital part of Derry's gameplan.
The midfielder wasn't just on target late on either, as two huge kicks from distance in the first half made sure that his side was making the most of any sniff of the ball that Antrim gave them.
Antrim 0-1 v Derry 1-8 Derry number 9 Oisin McWilliams kicks a point from long range free off ground! 29 min #GAA #UlsterMFC #PhillysUpdates
— PhillyMc (@MoysPhillyMc) June 18, 2017
Oisín McWilliams hits the net again after fine work by Callum Brown. Derry 3-16 Antrim 0-09.
— Derry GAA (@Doiregaa) June 18, 2017
Derry dominated possession in midfield, claiming possession from both kickouts, and giving their opposite numbers no time on the ball.
Conor McCluskey- Derry
The defender's only score of the game came from the penalty spot, but it was a crucial one as he tucked away the early chance to put his side in the driving seat with just three minutes on the clock.
Aside from the goal, he was equally brilliant to ensure that there were precious few opportunities for the Antrim forwards to work with.
In particular, he did a superb job keeping Liam Quinn quiet. The Antrim danger man had said McCluskey was the best player he'd come up against last year, and looks to have proved to be just as difficult an opponent this time around.
Ben McCarron - Derry
McCarron scored two points straight after the early penalty, establishing a lead for Derry which proved to be too much for Antrim to overcome. He almost set up a goal that would have added further gloss to the scoreline, but Declan Cassidy's shot went just wide.
In total, his four points (three from play) showed that he was a danger whenever he popped up on the ball, and whether it's Down or Cavan that await in the final, they'll have to find a way to curb his eye-catching displays.
awesome start from minors. @killyc123 the most active #MaorFoirne in the business - ben mccarron on fire #GAA
— Michael McMullan (@malmcmullan) June 18, 2017
You can cast your vote for the player of the week nominees every week on Electric Ireland's Facebook page by clicking here.
