Mayo GAA star set for AFL move

The news that many Mayo supporters were fearing about one of the county's brightest football talents appears to be becoming a reality
Mayo GAA star set for AFL move

Mayo and Crossmolina's Kobe McDonald in action during the Mayo SFC semi-final last month. Picture: Conor McKeown

The news that many Mayo supporters were fearing about one of the county's brightest football talents appears to be becoming a reality.

Crossmolina Deel Rovers sensation Kobe McDonald appears set for a move to Australia to play in the AFL, according to report in the Irish Examiner.

The report stated that the 17-year-old, son of Mayo legend Ciaran McDonald, made the trip to Melbourne earlier this year and is set to sign for a club once he completes his Leaving Cert next year, with Melbourne, Brisbane and St Kilda all interested parties.

The news would be a big blow to Mayo, as Kobe McDonald lit up the Mayo senior football championship this year with outstanding performances. He was also part of the Mayo minor side that won the Connacht title last year, with his father Ciaran a part of the backroom team.

It would not be the first time a talented footballer has departed the county to play Australian football. Pearse Hanley enjoyed a stellar career with Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast, while two-time Young Footballer of the Year Oisín Mullin starred for Geelong in the AFL Grand Final earlier this year.

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