Paris McCarthy: 'If you put your mind to it, you can do anything'

At just 19 years of age, Paris McCarthy has achieved incredible success across a range of sports, and continues to show her abilities across the world.

This week, it was announced that McCarthy would be making the move down under to join Sydney Swans, making her the latest high profile player to join the large Irish contingent in the AFLW.

While this will see her miss Kerry's championship campaign, as well as leaving her basketball scholarship in America with East Tennesse state, McCarthy is realising the new experience that awaits her in Australia this summer.

The Castleisland Desmonds youngster was a prodigy with St Mary’s in the Women’s Super League, which caught the attention from American collages.

"It had been on my mind for the last year, but obviously I didn't head into America to go play basketball. I said I might wait a couple of years to see how America goes first, and then I'll decide if I'd like to go to the AFL.

"I went down South to play Division One basketball, and I was the only international on my team. So that was kind of hard. I suppose it was a hard experience and I just thought, It would be better if I could just go somewhere where be more happy and stuff.

"We trained for like 4 to 5 hours a day or days literally were just basketball, like there was no freedom at all.

"Most of the time you'd have to ask for permission to go places or even the weekend. Most girls couldn't see their families and if they wanted to, they'd have to ask for permission."

Initially, the Kerry woman was making a big impression with her performances on the court. However, a change in manager saw her opportunities limited, with the hectic schedule in America a deciding factor in her decision to move to Australia.

" I suppose I