MARTIN MCELHINNEY got a bit of a reality check one night in Convoy last month.
It is ten years now since the 28-year-old made his first appearance for Donegal having been one of the leading lights in the Ulster-winning Donegal minor team in 2006.
Unlike his team-mate from that minor side, Michael Murphy, it took McElhinney some time to force a regular berth in the Donegal team.
Following a swathe of retirements and withdrawals, McElhinney could be one of the more senior men leading a new era in Tir Chonaill.
It hit home at the Donegal GAA Training Centre recently when he was the elder statesmen at training.
“I was just standing there going to myself: ‘What happened here?’” says the St Michael’s man.
“I’d always have considered myself one of the younger fellas. It just hits you like that.
[adrotate group=”46″]“We just have to take over the mantle now and pass on things to the young lads. They all have ability, but they’ll have a lot to learn about big match days, wee hints here and there, hopefully that we can give them, will help.”
McElhinney certainly can pass one priceless advice to the young batch of Donegal hopefuls hoping to make the transition into Rory Gallagher’s plans.
Several times during his career, McElhinney considered pulling the pin – but he stuck at it and fought for his place.
“It’s frustrating when you’re not playing” he says.
“There were plenty of times when I could have pulled out. The most important years are from 19-22 in terms of building fitness and especially strength.
“I’m ten years playing now. It’s mad.
“It’s not all rosey. I came into the panel at the same time as Michael Murphy, but I didn’t really break into the team until I was 22 or 23. Just because you’ve been called in, doesn’t mean you’ll make it or have this great inter-county career.
“ You needn’t think you’ll make it once you get the call up. Football ability, alone, won’t carry you. It’s not that easy.
“You also have some men coming out of nowhere. Neil Gallagher never played underage for Donegal and is probably the best midfielder ever to play for Donegal. His career took off late.
“Even in Jim McGuinness’s first year, he wasn’t first choice, but when we won the All-Ireland he was one of our best men. He worked hard at his own game and made the sacrifices.”
McElhinney knows better than most the effects recent retirements will have on Donegal, particularly the absences of Christy Toye and Colm McFadden. McElhinney’s club colleagues at St Michael’s pulled the pin, leaving gaping holes.
It will seem strange for McElhinney now, without the two men he considered mentors as well as friends and team-mates.
“When Colm Anthony retired, I thought it would be weird, but I didn’t expect Toye to retire,” he says.
“The two boys were there all the time when I first came on. You’re down the back of the bus playing cards, you’re traveling with them, even playing together at the club. They were mainstays of Donegal football for years and now they’re just not there.
“You just have to move on. That’s football, isn’t it?
“They’ve been massive players for the county and for the club.
“St Michael’s would never have been regarded as a big team in Donegal. It was only when Christy and Colm Anthony came on the scene that people came to take notice of the club – and it was because of these two boys.
“It was a joy to watch them playing.
“I remember Christy scoring two great goals against Fermanagh for the minors one year. That’s a big memory for me growing up.
“It was brilliant to have them there. We’re all from Creeslough and are neighbours. I’d always have looked up to them.”
Donegal welcome Kerry to Letterkenny on Sunday for their first Allianz League game of 2017 – and McElhinney remains upbeat about Donegal’s chances this year.
He says: “Look at men like Murphy, Neil McGee, Ryan McHugh, Frank McGlynn Paddy McBrearty, Paddy McGrath: They’d get on any team.
“Rory is the best coach we’ve worked with. Rory knew that so many players were coming through and he wanted to guide Donegal for a few years If anyone can develop these young lads into county footballers, it’s Rory.
“Division 1 has no hiding places, but the young lads are already pushing us on. There is serious ability coming.
“There’s a good six or seven men for four or five places. Dublin, Kerry, all the top teams are competitive like that. That’s how you get better, when you know that you’re competing at training.
“We’re confident that we can compete with the best again.”
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