In an what would be an unexpected turn of events, Rory Beggan could be in line for a shock return to the Monaghan squad for their Ulster Championship match with Cavan this Sunday, according to a reports today.
Beggan missed the whole 2024 League campaign this year to join the NFL International Player Pathway in an attempt to start a new career as a kicker in the NFL. The pathway has seen two of their players join NFL teams in the last week as former Down goalkeeper Charlie Smyth joining the New Orleans Saints on a three-year deal and Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit signing for the reigning Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs.
Beggan has impressed mightily over in the US and didn't miss a single kick on his pro day, including one kick from 60 yards.
Rory Beggan hitting from 60 and going 10 from 10 on his pro day was pretty special.
But it's the beautiful swerve of that football that's truly elite.
A master of the art of kicking, no matter the balls's shapepic.twitter.com/jjNeCWFRyI
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 21, 2024
Rory Beggan returns to Ireland
However, both Colm Keys in the Indo are Neil Loughan of the Irish News are reporting today that Beggan returned to Ireland last week after his training camp in the States and took part in a weekend training session with the Monaghan squad last week.
It's impossible to know what, if any involvement, Beggan will have this weekend.
Keys has reported that Mark Jackson of Wicklow - who's also in the IPP - is back and ready to play for the Garden County against Division 3 champs Westmeath.
Speaking at the launch of the Ulster championship last week, Monaghan manager Vinny Corry said Beggan was in 'limbo' as the 'waiting game' played out with the NFL teams.
It’s very much he doesn’t know himself what the story is. It’s a waiting game for him over there, ya know?
“He shot very well the last day and I was speaking to him after that and he was very happy with how he went.
“I know he has put a lot of work into what he is doing and from his point of view it’s a bit of a limbo.
Corry did not sound as if Beggan was part of his plans for the Championship.
Beggan is represented by the same sports agency who helped Charlie Smyth join the Saints.
With the NFL draft taking place on April 25th, there is something of a lull happening with NFL teams as they await the draft to finalise their rosters for the 2024 season.
For Corry and Monaghan, with a tough Ulster Championship starting next weekend against Cavan, Monaghan could use with the experience of Beggan between the sticks.
Oisin McConville's Wicklow side could badly use Jackson's boot and ability in the goal as well.
Monaghan welcome Cavan to Clones on Sunday at 4pm. Monaghan GAA were contacted for comment on this story.
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