The format was changed once again for the 2009 Championship. The Derry Competitions Control Committee accepted a proposal to scrap the group stage and introduce a "backdoor" system. The 16 clubs play in the first round.
In 2009, the Championship's format underwent another change. The Derry Competitions Control Committee opted to remove the group stage and implement a "backdoor" system. All 16 teams entered the competition in the first round.