The 31-year-old has spent the past three years living across the border after marrying his wife Shauna, yet his commitment to Derrygonnelly has never wavered. Three nights a week he makes the two-hour round trip to train with the club he has represented throughout one of the most successful periods in its history.

“Maghery have been great to me, letting me train with them and use their facilities,” said McKenna. “There are always a few jokes about me joining them, but I’m fully committed to the Harps.”

Next Sunday’s county final against Erne Gaels will be particularly special as McKenna leads his club out as captain for the first time.

“It’s a massive honour,” he said. “To captain the lads, especially so many who have been there a long time, is something I’m very proud of.”

McKenna is chasing an eighth county title, alongside team-mates Shane and Stephen McGullion, Leigh Jones and Mickey Jones, who is aiming for an incredible ninth championship medal.

Reflecting on Derrygonnelly’s remarkable consistency, McKenna points to the club’s strong foundations. The Harps have appeared in 10 of the last 12 county finals, an achievement he believes comes from sustained work throughout the club.

“It starts from the ground up, from Sunday morning football right through to the senior team,” he said.

“We’re still producing talented players every year and the coaching structures are excellent. The conveyor belt never really stops.”

As for Erne Gaels, McKenna expects another fierce battle between two sides that have developed one of the county’s defining rivalries.

“Belleek are going for three-in-a-row and that tells you how good they are,” he said. “But we have plenty of experience too and it should be a great contest.”

For years, opponents viewed McKenna as Derrygonnelly’s main scoring threat. That is no longer the case.

The emergence of players such as Ronan and Rian McGovern, Rory Smyth, Conor Burns, Shane Gilroy and Oisín Smyth has given the Harps scoring power throughout the team. Recent championship victories featured eight and nine different scorers, highlighting the squad’s depth.

“These lads have been around for a few years and have put in serious work,” McKenna said.

“They’re developing into real leaders and it’s no surprise to us that they’re producing when it matters. Ronan McGovern was outstanding against Enniskillen and there are others stepping up all over the field.”

Despite his collection of county medals, McKenna insists the desire for success remains as strong as ever.

“These are great days around Derrygonnelly,” he said. “There are flags and bunting everywhere and people are talking about the match constantly.

“You have to enjoy it because these are special times, but we’re still hungry to get back on top.”

While county final encounters between Derrygonnelly and Erne Gaels are often fiercely contested, McKenna stresses there is huge respect between the clubs.

“We know these Belleek lads very well. We’ve played against them for years and many of us went to school together. There’s massive respect on both sides.”

The club’s success on the field has also been matched by progress off it. McKenna highlighted the development of Derrygonnelly’s modern gym facilities, funded through a major fundraising effort by players and supporters.

“A few years ago we travelled all over Ireland selling tickets for a draw and that helped fund a fantastic gym,” he said.

“It’s one of the best around and will benefit future generations of players and the wider community.”

McKenna still handles the free-taking duties, but believes Derrygonnelly’s greatest strength is the spread of responsibility across the squad.

“It’s not about any one player. We have scorers all over the field and players coming off the bench can make a real impact.”

That depth was evident in the win over Enniskillen Gaels, with substitutes helping maintain the team’s intensity.

“Football isn’t a 15-man game anymore,” he said. “You need at least 20 players pushing for places and driving standards. That competition has been there all year.”

Erne Gaels manager Barry O’Hagan recently described Derrygonnelly as a highly athletic side, a compliment McKenna believes reflects years of work behind the scenes.

“The groundwork has been done over a long period,” he said. “A lot of players have been together for years and are now really blossoming.

“We’re seeing the benefits of that hard work now.”