“Hard to see this as a good thing.”
Dublin legend Michael Darragh MacAuley raises an interesting point about the mass exodus of GAA players going to Australia to play professionally.
The point was raised when the Irish Independence released a story explaining that 33 of the best footballers in Ladies football had made the move to play in the AFWL.
Although this has always been a common thing in the men’s game, it has recently become a bit of a phenomenon in the ladies game now, with some of the biggest names now playing in OZ.
Mayo’s legendary player Cora Staunton sort of started the craze when she made the move late in her career, and now players like Vickki Wall, who is arguably the best footballer in the country, are currently playing Aussie Rules.
Armagh’s Aimee Mackin is another powerful talent who was signed by Hawthorn, along with her sister Blaithin, as the two made the move Down Under.
However, the ex Dublin midfielder failed to see what was so positive about the sport’s best players jumping ship to play a different game, and vented his feelings on ‘X’.
“Hard to see this as a good thing. Don’t know why we celebrate all our stars and role models leaving when we’re trying to grow the game here. The men’s game without 33 of its stars would be a much lesser place too.”
The point was raised to MacAuley that ladies footballers have to battle to even get their expenses when they play Gaelic football, so it makes perfect sense for them to play professionally and get paid.
Hard to see this as a good thing. Don’t know why we celebrate all our stars and role models leaving when we’re trying to grow the game here. The men’s game without 33 of its stars would be a much lesser place too https://t.co/6FhXq4Qpc6
— Michael D Macauley 🍉 (@MDMA_9) August 31, 2023
This was something that the former Player of the Year agreed with wholeheartedly.
“Absolutely 100%, conditions aren’t good enough for them to stay. Feels akin to the situation we have with all of our doctors.”
As brilliant as it is to see homegrown talent get the appreciation and respect that they deserve by signing these pro contracts, it does raise some concern for the GAA and LGFA as a whole.
There needs to be a bigger carrot on offer for the players to want to stay here and play Gaelic football, otherwise, the game’s best stars will continue to flood out of the country.
Related links:
- Michael Darragh making the most of retirement
- Two young talents in Gaelic football look set to join AFL side Carlton
- Bríd Stack can’t hold back tears as she is named to make AFWL debut after recovering from fractured neck
