Paddy Tally expects Derry to bounce back strongly in 2026 after failing to win a single game this year.

The closest they came to registering an elusive victory was a draw with Galway a fortnight ago before a narrow defeat to Dublin in Newry last Saturday saw them exit the Sam Maguire Cup race.

"We didn't plan this to be the last day of the season," the Oak Leaf boss told BBC Sport NI.

"The team were starting to go really well and we looked in better shape than we've been in for a while, but we hit a good Dublin team today."

He continued: "Everything that fell for us was really difficult this year, but that will build character. These boys will understand it, not that it will help because they believe they are good enough and they are good enough.

"I think they have realised that we're not that far away. It's going to take a really big effort to get back up there next season again."

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