Monaghan's Karl Gallagher signs for Adelaide

Monaghan's Karl Gallagher has joined AFL club Adelaide on a two-year Category B rookie deal.

The 21-year-old Emyvale player becomes the first Oriel County player to join the AFL having impressed during a pre-season trial in Australia.

Gallagher’s departure will be a major blow for manager Vinny Corey given that he featured in all eight of their championship games as they reached the 2023 All-Ireland semi-final, where they lost to Dublin.

Corey is already planning without goalkeeper Rory Beggan for at least the start of their Division 1 campaign as he is heading to America to compete in an NFL combine.

The Crows have been tracking Gallagher since 2019 when he stood out at a combine in Ireland before the Covid-19 pandemic scuppered any possible move until now.

Starting off a new year with a new signing! Welcome to West Lakes, Karl