THERE’S no “sugar-coating” the fact that Odhran Murdock will be a huge loss to Down football if he leaves to play Aussie Rules, admits Niall McParland.
Murdock has been invited to a fortnight-long ‘Combine’ (trial) in Australia at the end of the month and, although he wishes his young teammate luck if decides to make the switch, McParland knows the Burren midfielder’s boots will be hard to fill when the Mournemen begin next season.
“You couldn’t sugar-coat that one, it would be a massive loss,” said McParland.
“He’s going to be a phenomenal player if he keeps on track.
“I read about him going and I half-closed my eyes and pretended I hadn’t.”
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There were 11 former GAA players involved with Aussie Rules clubs this season but many others – including Kerry’s David Clifford - have turned down AFL overtures and the likes of Martin Clarke, Caolan Mooney, Jason Duffy and Conor Glass have returned home after a handful of seasons.
McParland wishes Murdock, his team-mate with Down last season, well but hopes that, if he does go, he returns to the red and black county jersey before too long.
“He’s a young lad so if he wants to go and give it a try, it might not be forever,” said McParland.
“They mightn’t like him, you never know! Hopefully he only kicks with the bad foot when he’s over there!
“It would be a huge loss. Odhran’s a good, settled lad and he mighn’t have any interest in moving there. I honestly haven’t spoken to him about it, it’s not for me to talk on. Of course I don’t want him to go, but that’s me being selfish.”
