The group leaders were invited to play in the League semi-finals because heavy snow had disrupted the competition.

Francie Niblock scored one of the finest goals in League history in Croke Park as Derry beat Clare.

In 1958, the county won its first Ulster Senior Football Championship (SFC) and secured a surprise victory in that year's All-Ireland semi-final, beating Kerry thanks to a Sean O'Connell goal three minutes from the end.

Derry won the Ulster Senior Championship three times in the 1970s (1970, 1975 and 1976), but failed to advance past the All-Ireland semi-final stage on each occasion.

In 2008, the Derry side of the 1990s was rated as one of the best of the previous twenty years and would have achieved more were it not for several unexpected defeats such as to Down in 1994, Tyrone in 1995 and Cavan in 1997.

[14] Gallagher then gave up the job as manager completely, leaving the Derry set-up in a tizzy of almighty proportions.

[15][16] Gallagher's dismissal would pave the way for a most unexpected decision: Derry to be managed by none other than Mickey Harte.

Donegal were able to carve out numerous goal opportunities due to Derry's tactics, but only managed to score four of them.

Ballymaguigan's Jim McKeever won the inaugural award in 1958, while Henry Downey of the Lavey club received player of the year for his performances in helping Derry win the 1993 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.

1958: Jim McKeever 1993: Henry Downey From 2006 onwards, the Gaelic Players Association chose its own team of the year.