‘We will get a plan together’ – Malone

BY RYAN FERRY

SHEA Malone says it’s hard to explain Naomh Conaill’s never-say-die mentality.

Naomh Conaill were on the brink a number of time in last year’s championship but no-one could kill them off.

It was the same against Glenswilly in this year’s semi-final when they found the answers as the minutes petered away.

Good players are always likely to come to the fore at some stage, and Naomh Conaill have a strong squad so their replacements regularly make an impact off the bench.

There is also a pride in the place and people they represent.

Malone is only in his second season as a Naomh Conaill senior player but he’s their main forward now.

Other clubs would love to replicate Naomh Conaill’s mentality anf they will give their all on Sunday as usual.

“It’s hard to explain.

“I suppose you never want to go down in a bad manner.

“If you’re going to go down, well at least go down trying and giving it everything you have.

“We probably could have won it (against Glenswilly) in normal time when we got level.

“But when it went to extra-time we just felt we had it in the legs to get the job done.”

Malone admitted that he didn’t have his best outing in the semi-final but he still finished up with eight points.

In general, Naomh Conaill were a little bit off colour and they were nearly caught as a result.

One man who was on the money was Odhran Doherty, who had a super semi-final at centre half-forward.

Malone spent the summer in Philadelphia with Doherty and he has huge respect for his teammate and the way he carries himself.

“Odhran is a huge player and inspiration for us.

“The thing about Odhran is that you would hate to face him but he’s brilliant to have in your team.

“He always seems able to pull it out of the fire. He’s a dog when he gets going.

“We’re absolutely blessed to have him.”

Not surprised

Malone isn’t surprised that St Eunan’s have progressed through to the final.

He was impressed with what they brought to the table in their quarter-final against Dungloe and then again in the semi-final against Gaoth Dobhair.

“I don’t need to sit here and introduce how good St Eunan’s are.

“They are the most successful club in Donegal and we know what they are about.

“It’s just heads down at training to try and get ready for what will be a tough final.

“We will get a plan together and we will need one because let’s face it they have been excellent over their last two games.”

Malone has improved after spending a year with the Donegal senior panel and it will be exciting to watch him in action next year.

He enjoyed playing alongside Ciarán Moore and Shane O’Donnell but they will be in the opposition dressing room on Sunday and they won’t be easy to stop.

“I don’t think too many boys in Ireland would fancy the job of marking those two lads.

“But look that’s the game and we will have to watch them closely.

“They are going to be saying the same about Finnbarr (Roarty) or Odhran (Doherty) or Max (Campbell) coming down the middle.

“It’s definitely building up to be a good match.”