Horan: ‘We have more videos and talk and chat rooms about a guy who is just 17’

CREATING HEADLINES: Crossmolina's Kobe McDonald tries to get past Westport's Rory Brickenden. Pic Conor McKeown Picture: Conor McKeown

The hype is such that even in defeat, Kobe McDonald continues to dominate headlines. Crossmolina Deel Rovers lost out in the Mayo SFC semi-final after extra-time against Westport, but McDonald’s performance earned rave reviews.

McDonald scored 0-10 in a thriller. Westport were able to pull clear late on to set up a final against defending champions Ballina Stephenites this weekend.

The Leaving Cert student won’t turn 18 until the end of the year. His father is Mayo legend Ciarán McDonald. Speaking on the Irish Examiner’s Gaelic football podcast for subscribers, former Mayo player and manager James Horan said Saturday’s game featured a number of exciting prospects.

“The Crossmolina and Westport game, there are a lot of very good young players on both teams,” he said.

🤩 Kobe McDonald with a huge 2⃣ pointer for @DeelRoversGAA to level the game once again.

📺 Click here to buy/watch 👉 https://t.co/hvqclFVurZ@MayoGAA pic.twitter.com/pJHYUxMD2c

— StreamSport.ie (@StreamsportI) October 11, 2025

“To me, they will become a lot of Mayo players if they keep developing the way they are. You mention Kobe. Kobe is a great player, but there are five or six other players on that Crossmolina team that I think are very good. They are balanced, level-headed guys with a good skill level and great decision-makers. They are a good bunch of lads. It is exciting and that is why you had big crowds at those games.” 

Horan urged supporters to keep perspective.

“Kobe is getting attention because of ‘Pops’, but there is a number of lads there that will be very strong.

“I’m not trying to water it down, but down our way, we go absolutely stir crazy. We have more videos and talk and chat rooms about a guy who is just 17. I’m really conscious of that. I know Ciarán well, I’m good friends with his dad, who is a very balanced guy and knows what is right. I think it is really important that those lads just grow and develop, keep enjoying their football.”