This would be a big loss for Kerry and Longford.
AFL side Carlton are looking to seal the signatures of two young talents in Gaelic football as they have approached Kerry’s Rob Monahan and Longford’s Matt Duffy.
Carlton have previously availed from having Irish players in their ranks in the past, with Zach Tuohy (Laois), Setanta and Aisake O hAilpin, Ciaran Sheehan, Michael Shields (all Cork), Ciaran Byrne (Louth) and Cillian McDaid (Galway) all representing the club at different times.
Duffy’s departure could be announced officially in the coming days, but Monahan also impressed at the combines held earlier this year.
The young star was a key part of Tomas O Se’s Kerry U20 side that lifted the Munster title earlier this season, and Jack O’Connor would have been looking at that team to bolster the senior side.
Kerry lost the All-Ireland senior final to Dublin last month, and although they were able to make back to back finals, it was clear that they failed to really bring forward any new young talent.
Next season one of O’Connor’s top priorities will be to introduce some fresh legs and new names into the panel, but it appears that Monahan won’t be available for selection.
Australia’s professional ranks already boasts 12 Irish players, with the reigning champions Geelong being the home of Kerry’s Mark O’Connor, Mayo’s Oisin Mullin and the record breaking Tuohy from Laois.
Derry’s Callum Brown signed a new contract earlier this year to stay at Greater Western Sydney, much to the disappointment of those in the Oakleaf county.
Former GAA stars Conor McKenna from Tyrone and Cork’s Mark Keane both returned home from OZ to play for their counties, but returned to the professional ranks shortly afterwards.
Related links:
- Former Derry underage star Callum Brown makes decision on AFL future
- Oisin Mullin rings family to tell them he’s starting his first AFL game this Saturday
- Tuohy flies the Portlaoise flag high as Irish duo make AFL history
