Six players to watch in the National League

Story byOdhran Crumley - BBC Sport NI JournalistWed, January 21, 2026 at 8:24 AM UTC·5 min readThe return of pre-season competitions such as the Dr McKenna Cup has given inter-county managers across Ulster the chance to unearth hidden gems ahead of the start of the National League. Huge crowds turned out despite the bitter January cold as new faces took their chance. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPlayers previously unknown to many are ready to become household names, while those on the fringes of panels are set to come to the fore. Others, meanwhile, are keen to make their second chance count. Ahead of the big throw-in, BBC Sport NI takes a look at a few of the faces who may have a huge impact over the next few months. Shea Malone (Donegal)Arguably the find of the Dr McKenna Cup, not just for Donegal and Jim McGuinness, is Shea Malone. The Naomh Conaill man made a huge impact on his debut, scoring 0-5 from play against Antrim on his way to earning the player-of-the-match award. Malone helped link the play as the Tir Chonaill men powered past Derry with a strong second-half showing, but the pick of his performances was reserved for the Dr McKenna Cup final, where his two goals helped gun down Monaghan. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe young Glenties forward spent time away from Gaelic football, pursuing a career in the League of Ireland, but Sligo Rovers' loss could prove to be his county's gain. After his retirement there is a Patrick McBrearty sized hole in the Donegal attack, so could Malone be the man to fill that gap? He's certainly made the perfect start to life at the top level. Michael Conroy (Tyrone)Conroy was part of the wider Tyrone panel that won the All-Ireland title back in 2021, before stepping away from county football. The Moy clubman's size and stature provides a contrast to the options currently at the disposal of Malachy O'Rourke. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementConroy's ability to win his own ball out in front means he can bring those around him into the game, while his mentality seems peak for the top level. His return to the McKenna Cup panel has been a real positive for the Red Hands, it's clear that the implementation of the new rules means Gaelic football is like a new game from his last time on the panel. On the scoring front, Conroy has kicked 1-11 throughout his three games, 1-9 of that coming from play. His eye for a goal and ability to kick two-pointers should give the Tyrone attack a new dimension. Aaron O'Neill (Armagh)The O'Neill name is now synonymous with Armagh football, and Aaron is the latest to emerge from the household and follow in the footsteps of brother Rian and Oisin. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAaron made his inter-county bow on the opening night of the Dr McKenna Cup, replacing his brother Oisin and kicking a point in their defeat to Tyrone. A key member of the county's U20 side, he also featured against Down and looks ready to make the step up to the big time. The Crossmaglen native is certainly one to watch as the Orchard men look to find a few new faces over the course of the spring. Lachlan Murray (Derry)Murray has been part of the Derry panel for a number of years now, but it's starting to feel like he's ready to properly burst on the scene and lead from the front. The Desertmartin man has all the ability in the world: pace, power, athleticism and the ability to win his own ball and score. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDerry are in Division Two this term and are under the stewardship of a familiar face in Ciaran Meenagh, so it feels like peak conditions for Murray to become the player that many around the Oak Leaf county know he can become. During his two McKenna Cup outings, Murray kicked 0-5 - all from play - against Antrim and Donegal. If Derry are to be successful in 2026, Murray will have a big part to play. Eoin McElholm (Tyrone)It's such an obvious one, but Eoin McElholm is one of the most exciting talents on the island of Ireland, not just in Tyr.