DERR TO DREAM

Former Oak Leaf hero urges Tally's men to get stuck into Dublin in make-or-break tie in Newry to prove their All-Ireland credentials

- BY PAT NOLAN

CHRISSY MCKAIGUE insists Derry remain All-Ireland contenders despite the woes of the past year - but says they must step up against Dublin.

Paddy Tally's side face a season-defining All-Ireland series Group 4 tie in Newry on Saturday knowing that a victory will guarantee them a spot in the knockout stages - but they haven't won a game in regulation time since beating Westmeath at the corresponding stage last year.

Ex-Oak Leaf defender McKaigue (right), who retired last November, challenges the perception that Derry's showing in 2024 was disastrous, pointing out that they won the McKenna Cup and League while reaching the All-Ireland quarter-final.