By Matthew Wilson
It’s fair to say that Shea Malone has enjoyed a successful return to Gaelic football to date and the Naomh Conaill star is enjoying the county experience in his maiden year with the group.
Donegal secured their first Dr McKenna Cup triumph since 2018 on Saturday evening, running out 12-point winners against Monaghan at Healy Park in Omagh.
It was a good performance from Jim McGuinness’s side, again utilising his squad well to get minutes under the belt for every player.
Donegal finished Saturday’s encounter with 10 different scorers but Shea Malone’s contribution of 2-1 was significant. Speaking after the game, Malone expressed that it was nice to get their first piece of silverware for the season.
“In a good way, we got over the line nicely there in the end. We probably pulled away in the last 15 or 20 minutes. Monaghan are obviously a very good side, they’re good through the hands, they’re physical but we’re happy to get over the line and get the first bit of silverware for the year.”
Donegal have used the McKenna Cup to their advantage this term. With three games in six days, they’ve rotated the squad well for each contest and have shared the minutes well to get every player up to match fitness, something which Malone was in agreement with.
“Exactly, that’s what it’s about to get up to speed and up to fitness. It’s one thing training but match fitness is another thing. To get everyone on the pitch and to get minutes.
“You’re combating that with Sigerson, Trench Cup and everything going on. I think we worked it well and obviously got the line today.”
The Naomh Conaill youngster starred in his side’s Senior Championship triumph last season which earned him a call-up to Jim McGuinness’s squad for the 2026 season.
He’s taken his opportunities when they presented themselves so far, kicking 2-5 across the three matches in the last week and Malone is enjoying the experience of being amongst the group.
“I’ve found it very good. They’re such a good group, they’re while welcoming and helping you learn throughout training and stuff, they’re there when you need them to put the arm around you and they’re there as well to push you on.
“It’s a great balance and I’m just delighted to be here. All the other young lads are the same and the new players, they’ve joined a good group and it hasn’t been too hard because of that.”
Having been involved with Sligo Rovers for the last number of years, Malone only made his club debut in 2025 after being talked to by his Cousin and former Donegal star Dermot Molloy about a return to the sport.
It was a difficult decision for the 20-year-old at the time but it has been a successful return so far, picking up the Dr Maguire and Dr McKenna Cup in recent times.
“I am happy, I was just saying that to somebody. You’re taking a leap when you’re leaving not just any sport but anything in life, it could be a job or whatnot.
“Taking that leap to come back was a dauntener but I’m happy to come back and it’s not gone too bad so far.”
With a piece of silverware under their belt and a good amount of minutes into a lot of the players in the squad, Donegal will probably be pleased with where they’re at ahead of this weekend’s National League opener at GAA HQ against Dublin.
It’s a tough encounter to begin their campaign with but Malone expressed that the game time received by the group in the last week will allow everyone to be ready if called upon this Saturday.
“Exactly that, to go back on what you said, you’re giving everyone minutes so you’re letting everyone get a chance to be ready to enter the game or start the game if needs be. That’s what it was about, getting everyone minutes and having everyone ready for next week in Dublin.”
