Former Mayo captain set for AWFL move

A former Mayo captain is set to join the Australian Women’s Football League.

Saoirse Lally has been selected as St Kilda’s seventh pick in the 2026 AWFL pre-season draft.

The defender, who won an All-Star nomination in 2019 and was appointed captain in 2024, also made the breakthrough with her club that year when winning a first Mayo senior championship and going on to retain it in 2025.

Lally will also have company from Mayo later in the year when Kobe McDonald joining up with St Kilda’s later this year.

The move comes as another blow to the Mayo LGFA senior team, who have seen Sarah Rowe, Aileen Gilroy, Rachel Kearns, Dayna Finn, Maria Cannon and Niamh Kelly ply their trade in Australia over the years.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Saoirse and her family to St Kilda and the AFLW,” AFLW List and Recruiting Manager Darius Wyatt said.

“A highly regarded player in the Gaelic football landscape, we’re excited to bring in a talent like Saoirse to the club and can’t wait to see what she can bring to our squad.

“A former captain of Gaelic powerhouse County Mayo, Lally’s leadership, athletic profile and high football IQ stood out as strong attributes to develop into a high-impact AFLW player.

“We’ve seen many successful Irish recruits thrive in the AFLW, and we’re looking forward to supporting Saoirse in her transition to Australian rules.” 

St Kilda will kick off its 2026 pre-season at RSEA Park on Monday, May 11.