Bláthnáid McLaughlin back where she belongs with Donegal 

Bláthnáid McLaughlin made a welcome return to the Donegal senior ranks on Sunday as John McNulty’s side grabbed a battling point against Kerry in Ballybofey. 

The Moville girl had spent exactly two years on the sidelines after picking up an anterior cruciate tear against Waterford, in an All-Ireland series encounter, in Birr, back in 2022. 

But going into the third quarter against the Kingdom in MacCumhaill Park, McLaughlin was sprung as Donegal pegged back the visitors in a contest that ended 1-6 to 0-9. 

On a wet and miserable afternoon, McLaughlin was one of the few beaming faces on either side after as players sprinted down the tunnel for the dry sanctuary of the changing rooms. 

“It’s just great to be back,” she explained. “It’s been two years since I got injured against Waterford. It’s just lovely to be back out there on the pitch. 

“We put in a good performance there as well to come back and get the draw. And, for myself, it was just nice to get that run out”.  

Even when she couldn’t help out on the field of play, McLaughlin remained in-and-around the set-up last term, acting as Maor Uisce throughout 2023. 

She explained her injury took a little longer to heal than she would have liked but joked she now hoped her days as a water carrier were firmly behind her. 

“Every cruciate injury is different and everyone reacts differently. I just had a few wee niggles to get rid of. But thankfully it’s behind me now and the only way is forward. Nothing beats playing so hopefully that’s me retired now as a water girl!” 

McLaughlin has looked on in between as wholesale changes were rung both in terms of playing personnel and management. Maxi Curran stepped down as John McNulty stepped up while many of the team’s more senior operators over the last decade also waved goodbye. 

However, this young and inexperienced Donegal certainly don’t lack bite. They pushed Division 1 winners Armagh all the way in the Ulster final and they again more than held their own against another top tier outfit in Kerry at the weekend.  

“It’s really encouraging when you consider the personal change since then, both in terms of management and players. 

“Some might write you off but there is that wee bit of grit there in this Donegal team and we believe we can still put it up to the best teams.

“I don’t think anyone could have asked for any more in the Ulster final. The girls left absolutely everything out there on the pitch. It was just one kick of the ball that split the teams. It really could have went either way that day. 

“So we’ll keep believing and keep pushing forward now for the next day out against Waterford”. 

Finally, pressed on what it actually felt like to touch competitive leather once more in a Donegal senior jersey, McLaughlin said: “Ah listen, it’s just great. And everyone in the group has always been so supportive. 

“It was two long years but I never once felt like I was on the outside of it.  They made me feel part of the set-up and now it’s time to push on back on the field of play”.  

Meanwhile, boss McNulty says both of his AFLW stars Niamh McLaughlin and Amy Boyle Carr will be at his disposal for as long as Donegal retain an interest in the All-Ireland series. 

Australian Rules sides Down Under are currently back in pre-season training ahead of an August season start. But Donegal don’t have any concerns over their star duo’s availability. 

“No - we have them right up until whenever our season ends,” said McNulty. “So, obviously, the hope is that’s a long way away yet!”

Naomh Conaill dynamo Boyle Carr had to depart the action in the second period after picking up a knock early on in the contest. But McNulty envisages she’ll shake that off pretty soon. 

“Amy felt like a dead leg in the quad area. The first ball she got she got a knee and it just gradually got worse. It’s not serious but on the day it just hampered her. 

“And she is a big player for us so we felt her loss. We’ll work to have her ready in time for Waterford”.