Christopher McDermott nears century of appearances for Donegal hurlers

Christopher McDermott is on the brink of a major milestone in his Donegal hurling career.

If selected to play against Down this weekend, the Burt native will make his 99th appearance for the county, bringing him within touching distance of joining an exclusive group of Donegal hurlers who have reached a century of games.

McDermott, who made his debut for Donegal on March 11, 2012, in a National Hurling League clash with Tyrone in Letterkenny, has been a key figure in the county’s hurling efforts for over a decade.

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His journey has seen him feature in the National Hurling League, the Nicky Rackard and Christy Ring Cups, as well as the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship and the Conor McGurk Cup.

His appearances have been spread across multiple competitions, with 58 in the National Hurling League - including if he plays this weekend, 37 in the Nicky Rackard and Christy Ring Cups, and four in other tournaments, bringing his tally to 99 ahead of Sunday’s fixture.

Throughout his career, McDermott has been central to Donegal’s success, winning four Nicky Rackard Cups (2013, 2018, 2020, and 2024), three National Hurling League Division 3A titles (2014, 2017, and 2020), and the Conor McGurk Cup in 2023. He was also named a Nicky Rackard All-Star in 2017 and was selected for the Donegal Yearbook Team of the Decade in 2019.

His contribution to hurling extends beyond the county stage. With his club Burt, he has won six Donegal senior hurling championships (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2024), further cementing his legacy as one of the county’s most decorated hurlers.

McDermott is now poised to join an elite group of Donegal players who have surpassed 100 appearances. His cousin Rónán McDermott, still active with Donegal, has 124 appearances, while Enda McDermott (108) and Darren McDermott (100) have also reached the milestone.

For now, all eyes will be on McDermott’s 99th game this weekend, as he edges ever closer to joining Donegal’s century club.