Odhrán Doherty looking forward to fourth county final on Sunday next

There may be a good number of 30-somethings in the Naomh Conaill panel but there are also players like Odhrán Doherty, who is building plenty of experience, even though he is only 23 years of age.

The soldier based at Finner Camp was part of the 50th anniversary celebrations at the base on Thursday last where there was a very impressive flyover by the Irish Army and Doherty laughs when it is pointed out to him that this type of accuracy would be great in front of the posts on Sunday next.

The tireless working Doherty will be appearing in his fourth Donegal senior county final when he takes the field for Naomh Conaill against Gaoth Dobhair on Sunday next in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey.

It is a great time to be a young footballer at the Glenties-based club and Doherty is enjoying every minute of it.

“There has been a great buzz around for the last 12 months. I don’t know what keeps us coming back but we do. The target this year was to get back to the county final and we’re there now,” says Odhrán Doherty.

He says he has got a good run over the last few years, especially on the injury front.

“I’ve been lucky enough. I have had a few hamstring injuries, but nothing much. I was out for three months at the start of this year, but I’ve been lucky enough in fairness. Indeed, the team has been lucky enough this year.

“We’re lost Eoghan McGettigan, which is obviously a huge loss for us, but we’ve added a few additions this year to the squad, so it has definitely been strengthened.

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Gaoth Dobhair corner-back looking forward to another final and also ready to assist in attack if needed

It has been a really busy year for Doherty as he also made a big breakthrough at county level under Paddy Carr and Aidan O’Rourke. Many Donegal supporters will remember his great point for Donegal against Monaghan in a really exciting encounter in Healy Park.

Indeed, over the intercounty period, Doherty’s star was rising rapidly and he is likely to be one of Jim McGuinness’s main men when training resumes.

Speaking at the press launch for the county final on Friday night, he admitted that he hadn’t heard anything from the county manager as of yet. Which suggests that the new Donegal boss is leaving those players involved at county final level with their clubs without any distraction. But it would also be a major surprise if there is not one or two Dohertys in the panel when it is announced.

Odhrán is the youngest of the Doherty clan involved with Naomh Conaill while Eunan is the oldest. Eunan is also one of the few Naomh Conaill players working away from home in Limerick. The middle Doherty, Ultan, is a quantity surveyor and on his recent performances, may also be in line for a call up at county level.

When Doherty came back from county duty, he was in good shape. “I played one or two league games for the club and the boys were in great nick and just gunning to get back up and running.”

The league format of the championship meant plenty of games but Doherty didn't mind that. “Whatever format is used, I leave that to the Co Board. We are just there to play games and win as many as we can. It is all about playing, that’s all the players want.

“Playing at county level this year was very enjoyable. It was nice breaking into it. There are special moments when you are playing at that level.”

But Doherty also says that playing for the club is special. “It is special representing your county but it is the same with your club.”

As for the future, is Doherty looking forward to more county involvement? “Hopefully, if I get the shout back.”

But for now the focus is on Gaoth Dobhair on Sunday next and no doubt the Dohertys will again play their part.