We could be about to lose another one to professional sport.
Kerry footballer Tommy Walsh’s time down under may not have been a success, but there are still plenty of other great examples of Irish players making a fine career out of a switch from the round to the oval ball.
And it seems as one of the country’s most promising talents is looking to secure a place on the draft list later this year.
It’s being reported today that Ray Connellan, who is rated as one of the best young GAA players in the country, has left Ireland to try out with St Kilda in Australia.
The Athlone clubman is due to spend four weeks in Australia initially, and his move comes after impressing AFL scouts at a combine held in DCU earlier this year.
His departure means that Tom Cribben will be without his services for the Leinster championship clash with Offaly on 12 June.
Midlands 103 are reporting that Connellan is hoping to make a big impact in the AFL.
“There’s no young guy growing up who doesn’t want to be a pro.
“That’s why the week was unbelievable with the Academy – you wake up, eat, train, eat, sleep and do it all over again.”
“A lot of the recruiters have asked me if I’d be willing to move over to Australia to finish my degree and play some lower league football.
“If I’m going to invest my time I may as well do it properly and do everything I can to get to the top level. At 21 this might be my last shot at it so I’d be pretty keen to do anything to make it happen.”
Connellan has been wished all the best by fellow Athlone man Robbie Henshaw on his move.
Best of luck to @connellanray who begins his AFL trials in Australia this week. Go well bro 👍
— Robbie Henshaw (@henshawrob) May 26, 2016
good luck bro.
— Bundee Aki (@bundeeaki12) May 26, 2016
