By Matthew Wilson
Conor McCahill is enjoying the experience being involved with the Donegal senior football side as he earned his first piece of silverware in Saturday’s Dr McKenna Cup triumph over Monaghan.
Donegal travelled to Healy Park in Omagh for Saturday’s decider and engineered a good performance for the 60 minutes.
The reigning Ulster champions led the Farney men by four points at the interval and managed to push on after the restart to run out eventual 12-point winners on the day, which McCahill was pleased with.
“Yeah it was really good, it’s the first title win of the year, the first one for me as a Donegal player so I’m really happy. I can’t really say much more, I’m just kind of taking it all in now. It’s good to see everyone out here and it’s just good.”
Having excelled at county minor and under 20 age groups in recent years accompanied by an impressive campaign with the Four Masters last term, McCahill earned himself a call-up to the senior panel this season.
His speed and ability to kick off both feet is a big strength to the side at such a young age and has shown that in the three outings to date.
Speaking to the Donegal News after the game, the Donegal Town man expressed that it’s been a great experience so far for him, being involved with such a good group of people.
“It’s tough but it’s a really good experience. It’s good to get out with a good group of lads like, they all respect each other and respect the boys so it’s just really good to be part of the team and hopefully can push on this year now.”
The Four Masters man received starts against Antrim and on Saturday against Monaghan while he enjoyed a good cameo from the bench against Derry on Wednesday night.
He’s managed to make his mark by getting his name on the scoresheet in each outing which the youngster is pleased about.
“Yeah, I’m happy enough, you know. Obviously, there are places where you can improve but it’s a really good place to start anyway yeah.”
Four Masters’ underage success in recent years has seen four players called into the Jim McGuinness’s squad this term, with Kevin Muldoon, Turlough Carr and Seanan Carr joining McCahill in the camp.
These are four players that have all come up through the underage ranks together and three of McCahill’s close friends. They’ve shared many good experiences together so far and this journey will be another one.
“Those three boys are three of my really close friends when it comes to playing. We link up well, we’re all forwards. It’s really good to see it and it gives the club a good boost as well, there’s a bright future ahead.”
With a piece of silverware under their belt and a lot of minutes received by the majority of the squad, McGuinness’s outfit will be pleased with where they’re at ahead of Saturday’s league opener at Croke Park against Dublin.
McCahill discussed that it’ll be a tough encounter but one that they’re very much looking forward to.
“Yeah definitely. That’s going to be a tough game, going to Dublin is never easy so we’re really looking forward to it now.”
