Niall McParland: Odhrán Murdock move would be huge loss to Down GAA

Down defender Niall McParland said there can be no sugar-coating the situation should emerging midfield star Odhrán Murdock make the switch to the AFL.

The Burren clubman is one of a number of players heading to an Aussie Rules combine at the end of the month, and if he were snapped up then Gaelic football would be losing one of its most promising young players.

Murdock was still under-20 last season but is already being talked about as a future star and his absence would be a huge blow to Conor Laverty's side having impressed with a series of brilliant performances in his first two seasons at senior level.

He would be only the fourth male Mourne player to move to the AFL after current Mourne coach Marty Clarke (Collingwood), team-mate Caolan Mooney (Collingwood), who trained with the panel towards the end of the 2023 season, and former Down player Jamie O’Reilly (Richmond).

"You couldn’t sugar-coat that one, it would be a massive loss. He’s going to be a phenomenal player if he keeps on track," former skipper McParland said.

"I did read it at the weekend and half closed my eyes and pretended I hadn’t. He’s a young lad so if he wants to go and give it a try, it might not be forever.

"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. Look at our management team, Marty Clarke there is well experienced and I’m sure Odhrán has given him a call, or vice-versa, and they’ve had a conversation about it.

"Odhrán’s a good, settled lad and he mightn’t have any interest on 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."

Whatever happens with Murdock, McParland is