Derry legend Joe Brolly has had a lot to say about his county over this past year or so when it comes to their fortunes on and off the football field.
The Oakleafers had been riding the crest of a wave in recent times, winning back to back Ulster titles and reaching consecutive All-Ireland semi-finals.
When Mickey Harte was announced as the new Derry manager, Brolly was quick to vent his views on the appointment, and they were not complimentary of the Tyrone native.
However, when they beat Dublin to win the Division One title back in March, the county's upward trajectory seemed to continue its soar - until Donegal came to town.
Jim McGuinness' men ambushed the reigning Ulster champions, and what followed was two more defeats at the hands of Galway and Armagh in quick succession.
The knives were out, Derry were at rock bottom and Brolly was calling for Harte's head, but a win over Westmeath gave them hope, and an outstanding performance the following week against Mayo has catapulted them right back into the mix.
The jubilation that poured through Derry when Conor Doherty converted the winning penalty against Mayo has even rubbed off on the Dungiven native, and when speaking on his Free State podcast, he compared their fall and rise to his own struggles.
READ HERE: Michael Murphy Goes Against The Grain With Views On Current Championship Structure
Muhammad Ali said the greatest experience of his life was when Joe Frazier knocked him down and beat him in 1971, when Ali had come back after three years out.
"He said that was the greatest thing that ever happened to him. Once you’ve been humiliated like that, like Derry were – and it happened three times… and we’re still standing.
"The format of the championship is great from our perspective. That’s life, we’ve been to the very bottom now.
"There’s a great release in that, I’ve had it in my own personal life, I’ve been to the very bottom. After that you think, 'Well, is that the worst that can happen? Well, bring it on.'
"Everything after that, you say, 'I’m going to embrace my life, be better and do better.'
"Derry realise now, you know what, that’s life, it makes you stronger and there’s nothing to fear.
"After what has happened, you think to yourself, 'Jesus, we’re playing Kerry in Croke Park on Sunday!' All the pressure [is] on Kerry. They caught us last year, now we’re playing them on Sunday in front of 80,000 people.
"Well, hello world!"
What is your greatest fear? How much do we all dread humiliation? Derry were humiliated three times in the championship but are still alive. They’ve been to the bottom. Now, the only way is up and they have nothing left to fear.
On Free State today Joe and Dion look ahead 🧵1/3 pic.twitter.com/fMhdo7qx45
— Free State with Joe Brolly & Dion Fanning (@freestateirl) June 27, 2024
Brolly doesn't give any specific details on the "rock bottom" regarding his own life, but everyone could see that Derry were at an all-time low following that last defeat to Armagh.
Heads were bowed, the future looked bleak, and their exit from the championship seemed to be a question of 'when?' rather than 'if?'
Back to back victories and a blockbuster showdown to look forward to against The Kingdom has rejuvenated everyone in the county however - even Joe Brolly.
