ODHRÁN MacNiallais says part of him would still like to give it another go with Donegal – but admits he lacks the desire to commit and that he will find it hard unless the demands are stripped back.
In a feature interview in today’s Irish News, the stylish 27-year-old playmaker revealed that a series of meetings with Declan Bonner last autumn had initially led to him agreeing to a comeback, only for reality to hit and the Gaoth Dobhair man to quickly reverse his decision.
MacNiallais had met Donegal strength and conditioning coach Paul Fisher and agreed a programme, but days later decided to pursue working in London for at least the next year.
“Obviously I’d love to play with Donegal but this last couple of years, I just don’t have the desire to commit.
“Everyone’s heard all this s*** from me before, but unfortunately that’s the way it is for me. It’s a pity, because I’d really enjoy playing with Donegal.
“They’ve a great team there and have been going well again this year, and it’s just a pity the season is up in the air because I was full sure that they’d have a good rattle at it and get to an All-Ireland final.”
Asked if he could see himself playing for the county again, MacNiallais said: “I don’t know, to be honest. I’ve never really thought about it that much.
“I obviously would love to play with them again but that’s up to whatever happens in the future and whatever manager is there.
“I’d maybe like to give it another go but I’ll have to wait and see how I feel about it. I don’t see the commitment levels changing, and I don’t see the game going semi-professional or professional.
“That wouldn’t change my mind on it anyway. Money wouldn’t make it any easier.”
