Leitrim's Eilish O'Dowd scores fastest goal in AFLW history

Eilish O'Dowd kick-started her career Down Under in style as the former Leitrim Gaelic footballer scored the fastest ever goal in AFLW history with her first touch for Greater Western Sydney Giants.

O'Dowd took just 15 seconds to make her mark against Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval, surging forward from the first bounce to glide through the opposition and smash home a brilliant effort.

The Giants scored nine goals in total to win 10.12 (72) to 1.3 (9).

It's the latest chapter in a remarkable journey for O'Dowd.

The Ballinamore woman turned heads in Australia thanks to her exploits as a footballer.

Having been working as a teacher in Dublin, she switched from her home club Sean O'Heslins to Na Fianna in 2021. O'Dowd - who had previously represented Leitrim with distinction - went on to make the senior Dublin panel, and was part of the side that won the 2023 All-Ireland football final.

Last March the 26-year-old signed a two-year deal with GWS Giants following a a successful trial in Sydney.

On Thursday she was told by coach Cam Bernasconi that she would be making her debut for the Giants, and O'Dowd spectacularly rewarded his faith with a brilliant solo goal right from the first bounce.

She struck again early in the second half to make this a debut to remember, and potentially the first flourish in a highly successful career.

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