Watch: Mayo man kickstarts college campaign with superb American Football field goal 

Knockmore native Ryan McDonnell is putting Mayo on the map with his performances for Henderson State University.

Last year, McDonnell broke a Henderson State programme record when he sent a 51-yard field goal between the posts.

Now in his second year, the former Knockmore goalkeeper scored this cracking effort from about 48-yards as the Reddies soared to a 57-21 victory against SNU in their opening game of the season.

It has been quite the journey from St Joseph's Park to Arkansas for McDonnell. As a punter/kicker, he has a crucial role within his team. A kicker scores crucial points either following a touchdown or through field goals and also initiates game play. As a punter, he punts the ball downfield and flips the field position to force the opposing offense to restart as far away from the end zone as possible.

He secured a scholarship after linking up with Leader Kicking, which offers pathways to Irish players to play as American Football punters or kickers.

It has become an increasingly attractive option for Irish players with Oisin Flynn, a native of Castleconnor and U20 Connacht Champion with Sligo, having recently crossed the Atlantic to join the Mississippi State Bulldogs as a kicker/punter.