Heading into this weekend's All-Ireland quarter-finals, many saw Clare defeating Derry as the most likely shock out of the four games. We have often seen teams who win their first provincial title in an age struggle to follow that up in the All-Ireland series, while Clare's performance against Roscommon meant there was some logic to such claims.
However, the reality turned out to be far different.
The Ulster champions would put on an absolute exhibition at Croke Park, running out as winners on a scoreline of 5-13 to 2-8. In truth, that winning margin in no way flattered Rory Gallagher's side. They may have racked up the goals, but they could have had a few more over the course of the 70 minutes.
What a goal this was from Paul Cassidy 😤pic.twitter.com/fekxTDXIBP
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 25, 2022
While some seemed uncertain how their style of play would translate outside of Ulster, Derry will now rightly be viewed as Sam Maguire contenders by many.
Tomás Ó Sé hugely impressed with Derry
That includes Tomás Ó Sé, who took to social media to praise them during the game.
Derry will take serious beating 🏐 for the whole thing
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) June 25, 2022
Few teams in the country can replicate Derry's form in recent months, although some still unsure of their All-Ireland credentials.
Ó Sé received a number of replies that felt he was overhyping the Ulster side, although he went on to double down on his statement on a few occasions.
Hugo I’m basing my comments on the last 9 months. Hurling county my eye
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) June 25, 2022
Ask yourself would they cause Kerry or Dublin problems. Of course they would
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) June 25, 2022
They’ve done the same to the best in the north albeit not as heavily
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) June 25, 2022
Hard to play against. But they actually have quality too. Awful to watch at times. But Christ when they go they go
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) June 25, 2022
Derry will now look ahead to an All-Ireland semi-final against Armagh or Galway, with those two sides facing off tomorrow.
A large proportion of the public will probably see the winners of that game as the favourites to advance to the final, although that would be a questionable stance based on recent form.
Rory Gallagher will already be hatching a plan to get the county to their first All-Ireland final since 1993. They certainly have every chance of doing so.
SEE ALSO: Peter Canavan Identifies Key To Armagh's Hopes Of Beating Galway
