The exodus of young GAA talent to Australia continues, with Tipperary's Orla O'Dwyer the latest to head Down Under to undertake a professional career in the AFLW.
O'Dwyer, a noted dual-star player in the Premier County, follows fellow Tipperary player Aisling McCarthy into the nascent Australian league.
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The 20-year-old joins the Brisbane Lions on a rookie deal, becoming the first female Irish recruit at the club.
Dublin's James Madden is already in the male ranks at the club, while Colm Begley and Pearce Hanley have also played for the club in the past.
Welcome to the Pride, Orla O’Dwyer, our first Irish AFLW recruit! #Uncaged pic.twitter.com/AoXSnKBN73
— Brisbane Lions AFLW (@lionsaflw) May 10, 2019
The Tipperary star is currently studying at the University of Limerick, and applied to move into the professional game through the Cross Coders programme.
She told the club website:
AFLW is something completely new for me and I’m looking forward to the challenge that’s involved with learning a new sport and living in a completely different country.
I think it’s great for women’s sport to have this opportunity and I’ve decided to choose AFLW while I’m still very young and because it’s such a great experience.
It all happened so fast but I’m really happy with my final decision.
The club have been so welcoming and friendly and by chatting with Craig [Starcevich], Bree [Brock] and many more, I know that I am going to be very happy with this Club.
Brisbane have excellent players and I’m really looking forward to playing at such a high standard with these girls and pushing myself.
Thankfully for her home county, O'Dwyer isn't expected in Australia until October when preparations for the new season begin to ramp up.
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