McDermott reflects on a decade of service as 100th Donegal appearance nears

When Kerry comes calling to O’Donnell Park in a fortnight, Christopher McDermott will be pulling on the jersey for an incredible 100th time. 

Sadly, his 99th appearance against Down did not end in victory, and he had to come off as he felt unwell. 

But the gracious McDermott took time out afterward to reflect on the great career he’s had so far in his beloved green and gold. He also paid tribute to his teammates for their gritty second-half display while playing into the breeze against Down that saw the Ards men land a 3-17 to 0-17 point win over Donegal on Sunday. 

McDermott’s achievement in reaching this major milestone is all the more remarkable when you consider that he spent around six years working abroad before returning to play for his county and club and becoming the proud holder of four Nickey Rackard Cup titles. 

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“Yeah, I have had a great career, and for that, I am very grateful, with four Nickey Rackard Cups and three NHL titles, as well as seven county championships with my club, Burt,” he said. 

“I have been playing for the county since 2012, and that is a good while all right. 

“I took a break for a year or so with work commitments, but hurling is very much in my blood, and it is great to be a part of this exceptional squad. 

“I was feeling a bit ill all week, and it has not cleared up, so I reluctantly had to come off.” 

McDermott added that while Down beat Donegal by three goals, his colleagues really put it up to the Down men in the second half. 

“Apart from those three goals in a 15-minute spell, I thought we matched them pretty well. 

“They had good pace down the middle, but so did we, and we missed a few good chances as well. 

“But in the second half, we matched them, and we were every bit as good.” 

McDermott said he was delighted to be back involved in a strong squad. 

“We gave a very good account of ourselves, and there could have been a lot less in it if that penalty had gone in,” he said. 

“And we had a few more chances, but in fairness, Luke White pulled off a few great saves as well. 

“Down are a class side, and that is the standard you want to be aspiring to. 

“But there is huge competition for places in the Donegal team, and the fight for spots is as intense as I have ever seen it. No positions are safe in this squad.” 

Kerry, another Joe McDonagh Cup team, is up next in a fortnight, and, “we will just have to be at ourselves”, said McDermott.