FORMER Derry skipper Gerard O’Kane reckons Chrissy McKaigue is worthy of consideration as one of the best players the county has ever produced.
McKaigue, 35, has announced his retirement from inter-county football after winning two Ulster SFC titles and a National League.
The Slaughtneil defender was the skipper in 2022 when Derry ended a 24-year wait for provincial glory. He was also recognised as an All-Star that season.
The county board described him as ‘a Derry great’ in a statement confirming the end of a career that amounted to 149 appearances.
And O’Kane said: “Comparing players in different positions and from different generations is difficult. But Chrissy definitely deserves to be included in that conversation over the course of the time that I’ve been watching Derry.
“I’d describe him as a generational talent in that he’s someone who’s going to be remembered for a long, long time.”
O’Kane believes the youngsters in the Derry panel are sure to have reaped the benefits of having played alongside McKaigue before he signed off.
He said: “A lot of lads who have come into the panel in the last while would have taken a lot from being able to observe the standards that Chrissy set.
“He would have helped them to understand what’s required in terms of preparation at that level because he’s so meticulous in his approach, which I’m sure has rubbed off on those around him.”
At a time when Eoin McEvoy has attracted interest from the AFL, the departure of McKaigue has dealt an early blow to new Derry gaffer Paddy Tally.
O’Kane added: “Listen, Chrissy was still looking after the big man-marking jobs like David Clifford this year so it won’t be easy at all to replace that. What he brings as a leader is massive as well.
“And with the noises about Eoin McEvoy possibly heading to Australia, it’s definitely a loss.”
