Former Tyrone minor Conor McKenna is heading down under after agreeing to join Essendon Bombers in the AFL. A hugely promising Gaelic footballer, and brother of Tyrone senior Ryan McKenna, the 18-year-old joins the Essendon club on a two year deal.
McKenna will be joined in the AFL by Kildare footballers Sean Hurley and Paddy Brophy as well.
AFL's talent manager has tipped McKenna to be the best international prospect this year, saying:
They're all pretty exciting, but Conor McKenna ... he played in and amongst our academy players.
The first match he actually played with a Sherrin ... and ran away from some of the best boys in the country. So he's a fairly special talent and he's already played some senior footy at Tyrone.
He wasn't the only one who was impressed by the Tyroneman. Bombers' list manager Adrian Dodoro has also been full of praise:
We were one of two clubs to attend the Irish Combine in December last year, and we were immediately impressed with Conor’s talents.
He has exceptional speed and endurance and he has a strong desire to become a professional footballer.
His athletic profile is elite and while there is a long way to go, we really feel that Conor has the attributes to become a successful AFL player.
Here he is, scoring 1-7 in a MacRory Cup match for St Pat's Armagh.
hat-tip: Shane Kelly
Quotes: TheAge.com
