Niamh McLaughlin and Michael Murphy cut from same cloth - Maxi Curran

Maxi Curran has paid recently crowned LGFA Player of the Year Niamh McLaughlin the ultimate compliment by likening her drive to that of retiring Donegal legend Michael Murphy. 

Moville dynamo McLaughlin has had her fair share of setbacks in the past with a number of serious injuries threatening to derail her career at different stages. 

But Curran says he handed McLaughlin the Donegal ladies armband at the start of the 2021 season for the simple reason that her example on and off the pitch demanded it. 

“It was an amazing thing for Niamh, the Player of the Year award, and thoroughly deserving,” said Curran. “Niamh, for me, across the board, she’s the most similar I’ve ever seen in personality and drive to Michael Murphy. 

“It’s uncanny. Mentally, they are cut from the same cloth. They are both born leaders that lead by example. Her story is remarkable. She’s had three cruciate surgeries, she’s had her shoulder done as well. 

“But she’s got right back on the horse each time. She’s such a wee warrior for us. I’m delighted she got that recognition from her fellow players last week as well.” 

Donegal ladies learn 2023 League schedule

Donegal will open their Division 1 campaign with an away trip to Galway before welcoming Meath to Donegal on matchday two

Curran and his Donegal panel have close to a month’s preseason work done as they look forward to the start of the NFL. Last season’s beaten finalists will start away to Galway on January 22. 

They also face long treks to both Kerry and Cork. The side’s home ties in Division 1 are Meath, Waterford, Dublin and Mayo.  

 “We’ve been handed a tough start, definitely. We’ve been back at it collectively since November 1. It’s just been a feeling out process, a sort of easing back into it. 

“A little like last year, and because of the age profile of some of our group, we’ll edge some of the more experienced girls back into it at later dates. 

“That was the approach last year and when you look at the likes of Tara Hegarty, Roisin Rodgers and even Amy Boyle Carr, who has stepped up to the mark in serious fashion; they all benefited from last year’s league campaign.

“Emer Gallagher came back in at the tail end of last year so she’ll probably want to be involved in the games right away, simply because she missed the majority of last term.” 

On remaining on board for a sixth successive season, a period in which Curran led the side to three Ulsters crowns, he explained: “Last year, the margins were so thin. It was hard to walk away. Now, it’s a long way back to that juncture,  and we’re well aware of that. 

“But it’s probably never been more wide open now. And we’re holding our own with the very best.” 

Meanwhile, Curran explains there will be changes to his backroom team in the next number of weeks. Mark McHugh has joined up with the Roscommon men’s senior footballers. 

And Curran was able to confirm Belleek native Ciaran Smith, who trained Erne Gaels last term, has stepped in to fill that void.”