Grit the key as McKinless looks into a new Derry chapter

By Michael McMullan

WHEN Derry downloaded the data from their GPS units after Saturday’s win over Tyrone, they won’t have found the key ingredient of victory.

For vice-captain Gareth McKinless, thee most pleasing aspect of their 1-15 to 1-12 victory was the most basic of building blocks.

“Probably something the GPS can’t measure — grit, attitude and doggedness,” said the Ballinderry man, minutes after taking part in the additional runs on the pitch after the game.

While he played the entire game, the sight of his number six jersey in among the panelists who hadn’t played a full part, said plenty about his own attitude.

“For the first time in a long time, we showed the levels required to go and win football matches. That was the most pleasing aspect,” added the 2023 All-Star defender.

“There was talk that we faded in games, but I thought we stuck it out from minute one right through to the end. That was massive.”

Along with Paudi McGrogan, Conor and Ethan Doherty, McKinless has played every minute of Derry’s four-game season to date.

What a difference a year makes. Rewind to last January. McKinless played with a torn ACL, supported in a brace, as Ballinderry were hit by a controversial late penalty in their All-Ireland Intermediate final against Crossmolina.

“It was mentally tough,” he said of the road back. “I wouldn’t be here without my medical team — they all know who they are.

“There were a lot of tough days and emotional days along the way. I just want to say thanks to them.”

McKinless was the Derry heartbeat in their opening day defeat at the hands of Meath. Despite having two spells of control, it was the Royals who punished a wasteful Oakleaf challenge.

In his eyes, there were “bit and pieces” to cling to but the overall package wasn’t good enough.

“It wasn’t acceptable — from our leaders and our younger lads,” McKinless said. “That’s not how we play football. It’s not the attitude or desire anyone wants when they pull on the jersey.

“We were very unhappy but it’s about learning and getting better. We got stuck into each other during the week and we couldn’t wait to get back on the pitch and put things right.”

It was a first league win since Derry’s 2024 Division One final penalty shoutout blockbuster against Dublin. There was a win over Westmeath and another shoot-out pressure cooker against Mayo.

There wasn’t a win of any kind in 2025. Two draws with Galway were the rare moments of anything. Derry can’t hide from it. It’s there in history forever.

“2026 is a new year and it’s a new team for us,” McKinless quickly added, looking forward rather than back over his shoulder.

“We have a lot of young lads on the panel who haven’t been there before — debutants. It’s a new squad. The last year and the year before, that chapter is written. Now it’s time to write a new chapter for this team.”