Derry midfielder Conor Glass believes a crucial league victory over arch-rivals Tyrone has finally removed the "scar tissue" from a prolonged and frustrating slump for the Oak Leafers. The win served as a vital turning point, breaking a 13-game winless streak across league and championship that had cast a shadow over the county.

The decline was stark for a team that had recently captured the National League title and were considered genuine All-Ireland contenders. A shocking Ulster Championship defeat to Donegal in 2024 sparked a downward spiral that persisted through managerial changes, leaving a talented squad searching for answers.

"You can prepare so much throughout the week, but at the end of the day, they're helpless on game day," Glass stated, emphasizing player responsibility. "We were in positions last year that we could have won games. You can't be blaming managers; it's just a scapegoat."

That needed spark arrived on the final day of January at Celtic Park. A hard-fought three-point triumph over Tyrone ignited the squad, leading to four wins in their next five Division Two games. While a promotion push ultimately fell short, the psychological impact of that derby win was profound.

"There was a lot of scar tissue, so regardless if it was a one-point victory or a ten-point victory that day, as Derry people, we just wanted to get over the line," Glass reflected. "You could just tell by the celebrations after, it just meant a lot to us."

For Derry, the victory was more than just two points; it was a cathartic release. According to Glass, that burden is now lifted: "With that scar tissue gone now, absolutely." The win has provided a fresh foundation of belief as the team looks to rebuild its reputation as a force in Gaelic football.