HOW times have changed. Brian Mullins smiling - yes, smiling - stands in the middle of the Croke Park pitch, where just over a decade ago he soared skywards to roars of approval from Hill 16 - and attempts to satisfy the autograph demands of a hungry Derry army of supporters.
The former Dublin star turned Derry team manager may not jump out as a potential United Nations peace envoy, but his therapeutic powers have healed the rifts which threatened to destroy his adopted county's footballing potential.
Still a man of few words, though. Likes to play games with the media. In the afterglow of another National Football League success - "Delighted with the win. Tough match. Didn't expect it any other way" - it is left to others to sing his praises.
Brian McGilligan, the midfield powerhouse from Dungiven, appreciates Mullins's magic as much as anyone. "Brian came in at a time when things were a bit hectic in Derry football. He nailed down the hatches and stopped all the feuding," says McGilligan. "Got the message across to us.
"When you are dealing with a man of Brian's experience, you listen. His experience can only rub off on you. Sure just look at what he has achieved on and off the field; it takes a man of character to come back from what he went through."
But it is the guys on the pitch who win matches, ultimately. McGilligan was never in any doubt that they would retain their League crown. "I felt we were always in control, cruising when they got that goal. I suppose we'll be hot favourites for the All Ireland now, but what's new about that? You are only as good as your last game, though, and it is up to us to maintain this form.
The appearance of Gary Coleman in a Derry jersey again is a sure sign that the rift has been healed. The last time he wore number three on his back, Coleman was playing in Chicago. By coincidence, Tony Boyle was his opponent that day too.
Coleman hadn't started a competitive match for Derry in 11 months. Keeping Boyle scoreless from play is no, bad achievement. No wonder he was all smiles. But what about the Donegal goal? "Ah, Jon (Kelly) just slipped. It wasn't my fault. I blame him.
"I enjoyed it, though, it was good to be back and I felt we were in control. We just needed that wee burst of scores to take us away from them. After that, it was all one way traffic. But these are early days to be talking of winning another All Ireland. We have to get over Armagh first and take it from there," he says.
Another man happy to return to the limelight is Anthony Tohill. A torn medial ligament threatened to disrupt his plans for the summer of 96. Eight months away from playing football is a long time for the 6' 4" colossus from Swatragh. "Croke Park is a happy hunting ground for me, that's 12 wins out of 12."
And a lucky ground. Recalling his first half goal, Tohill says: "I should have scored with my first shot, but Gary (Walsh) pulled off a great save. I was somewhat fortunate to get the rebound, but that is how it goes.
"It is a great boost heading into the Ulster Championship to win this one. We played well for the first 15 or 20 minutes, but then slackened off and allowed them "back at us. After that, we had to knuckle down and we did," says Tohill.
The match programme used Derry wing back Karl Diamond to promote Neil Diamond's upcoming concert in Croke Park. "Today Karl Diamond on the half back line, Saturday week Neil Diamond is centre field," it roared. If singer Neil is as solid as Karl, he is on to a sure fire hit.
"It was a really good team performance. Everything has been going so well in training and it was important to follow up with a win, it gives a boost to everyone," says Diamond. "Once we got the initiative, we just kept going. There was no let up. It is very pleasing to turn in a performance like that.
Donegal manager PJ McGowan was gracious in defeat. "It's a bit of a downer, but the League is finished now and it is on to the championship. We gave it our best shot. Now we have three weeks to get our house in order. "All credit to Derry. They were strong and sharp and closed us down. Our defence coped quite well, but, rather uncharacteristically, we kicked a tot of possession away. And that was hard won possession. No two games are alike but, nevertheless, it is an area we will have to work on. Derry are an exceptionally strong side and I don't know who can live with them," says McGowan.
