SO MUCH ODHR' TO OFFER

Mac Niallais prematurely called time on promising Tir Chonaill career but he can lead Gaoth Dobhair to county final glory

- BY KIERAN CUNNNGHAM

IT COMES as a jolt to realise Odhrán Mac Niallais only turned 33 in August. He is three years younger than Michael Murphy who has been shortlisted for the Footballer of the Year award.

In the early years of the last decade, the feeling was Mac Niallais nominated for an All Star in his first season with Donegal in 2014 - would be alongside Murphy for a long, long time.

But it wasn't to be. Mac Niallais played for three years, and then took a year out. He came back for 2018 but again opted out until the 2021 season. That was his final one in the green and gold. Nobody expects a fourth coming.

Mac Niallais has been one of Gaoth Dobhair's main men for a long time and, if they're to beat Naomh Conaill of Glenties in tomorrow's televised Donegal county final, it will be likely because the enigmatic veteran has led from the front.

Given the fact his brother, Rónán, is Gaoth Dobhair manager, it's no surprise Mac Niallais has enjoyed such an Indian summer to his playing career.

In a county that produces runners who rarely kick the ball, Mac Niallais stands out. He can operate both as a finisher and an elegant playmaker - with surgical kick passing a real weapon.

Mac Niallais's first Championship season with Donegal ended in defeat to Kerry in the 2014 All-Ireland final and, in an alternate universe, Jim McGuinness would have been able to call on him at the same stage against the same opponents this year.