Westmeath minor and Leinster u20 star Fionn O’Hara signs for AFL club

"We’ve found him to be a really high-level character with a great work ethic and a real understanding of professionalism."

Former Westmeath minor footballer and Leinster U20 out-half Fionn O'Hara has joined AFL club Hawthorn. The multi-talented teenager was versatile with his gifts for sports, and he had several options to choose from in terms of his athletic future. Obviously he could have pursued his love of Gaelic football with Westmeath, but only by selecting rugby or Australian rules, would he be able to be a professional athlete. The 19-year-old St Loman’s man has represented his country and Leinster at underage level, and earlier this summer was selected for the U20s Leinster squad. O'Hara has signed as an International Category B rookie on a two-year deal and will join Meath's Conor Nash at the Hawks.

"In addition to his eye-catching athletic attributes, O’Hara was also a skillful kick on both sides of his body," Hawthorn's National Recruitment and List Manager Mark McKenzie said. "We’re rapt to be able to bring Fionn on board after having our eye on him for three years.

"Over the course of the time we’ve got to know him, we’ve found him to be a really high-level character with a great work ethic and a real understanding of professionalism having had that experience in those elite pathways."