IT was approaching midnight when the Derry City coach pulled out of the Tallaght Stadium car park, their European dream over.
And yet it seemed entirely appropriate to hear their vice-captain and manager talk about this team being at the beginning rather than at the end of a journey.
Having been a part of the League of Ireland for 38 years now, Derry have periodically threatened to dominate but have won the title just twice.
In contrast, Shamrock Rovers have won more championships in the last three years than Derry have in total.
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