Meath underage ‘phenomenon’ signs for AFL side

18-year-old Eamonn Armstrong has signed for AFL club St Kilda after starring for Meath in the Leinster U20 Championship

Signing as a Category B Rookie, his new team described him as a 'Gaelic phenomenon' in their announcement, and they are not far off.

Back in April, Meath won their first Leinster U20 title in 23 years after beating Louth in the final, helped by a man-of-the-match showing from defender Armstrong, who chipped in with 1-2 from play.

On the move Down Under, he said: "I couldn't be more excited to embrace this opportunity and all of the experiences it will bring.

"The club has been terrific in really making my family and I feel comfortable with this process. I know I have a lot to learn, but I can’t wait to get stuck in and really give it my all."

A former Ireland underage footballer and member of the St Patrick's Athletic academy, Armstrong was duly named Leinster U20 player of the year, with his size and athleticism making stand out.

After Meath and Leinster rugby prospect Conor Nash was snapped up by Hawthorn in 2016, Armstrong's move is another seismic blow to the county, as he joins Cork's Liam O'Connell at the Saints.

Executive General Manager of Football at St Kilda, David Mission said: "We're very pleased to welcome Eamonn and his family to the club.

"We're really supportive of Eamonn’s decision to finish school and join us in a few months.

"We clearly see great potential in him and wanted to make sure he had the comfort of knowing he’d secured a place on our list in the meantime to allow him to concentrate on his studies.

"We look forward to making Eamonn welcome at RSEA Park next year."