Dr McKenna Cup: Donegal to ‘knuckle down’ for National League opener

McFadden was named player of the match in the Healy Park decider, but believes forward Shea Malone should receive plaudits too after he scored both of Donegal’s goals.

The 20-year-old is a new face in the Donegal panel this year, returning to gaelic games after he stopped playing the sport at 16 to pursue a career in football.

After an unsuccessful spell with Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland and some persuasion from his cousin, Dermot Molloy – an All-Ireland winner with Donegal in 2012- Malone returned to the game in 2025 with his club and has since caught the eye.

He helped Naomh Conaill win their county championship and has impressed in the Dr McKenna Cup, winning the player of the match award against Antrim.

“He’s been excellent, he was man of the match in Antrim and the finishes for those goals were excellent, his swagger and composure,” McFadden added.

“He’s a top player and we’re excited about him.”

It’s been a whirlwind start to the year for Malone, who was on Hill 16 watching Donegal’s All-Ireland final defeat against Kerry last year.

He will be hoping to be involved in the panel for the remainder of 2026, but is keen to savour playing his part in Donegal’s first Dr McKenna Cup win since 2018.

“I haven’t played for years, I gave soccer a go, it didn’t work out for me the way I wanted and ‘Brick’ [Molloy] was the man in my ear for a year or two,” he said.

“I thought I’d give it a go, came back to my home club and thankfully got over the line there in the championship and it took off from there.

“Everyone is going to put their hand up, I’m not even thinking about that [playing against Dublin] I’m just happy to get my chances and that’s all you can do when you’re new in the squad, rack up as many minutes and show what you’re made of.”