Professional opportunity too good for Irish players to turn down – Aileen Gilroy

Since moving to Australia in 2020, Mayo's Aileen Gilroy has been one of the most consistent players in the Women's Australian Football League (AFLW).

Currently playing with Hawthorn, the 31-year-old is one of over 30 Irish players in the league.

While playing for Mayo, Gilroy admitted a move to Australia wasn't at the top of her agenda, especially when she suffered a serious ACL injury.

However, when a former Mayo teammate started making waves on the other side of the world, a career in Australia looked very tempting.

"The experience to have that professional lifestyle and how they work, and to have nothing else to concentrate on but AFLW, was a massive draw for me.

"The strength and conditioning here, when I came over her first, that was a huge part that opened up my eyes to the world because they concentrate on so much.

"Cora Staunton was the first person to get the game in 2017 when she came out. I hadn't taken any heed of the game. The closest I would have watched was Aussie Rules with Ireland, that was the only time I would have watched it.

"Cora is in a league of her own, so I wasn't expecting to get picked up, if there was anyone suited to the game, it was Cora.

"In 2018, I had to get my ACL, and I was just like that has really pushed me back, I don't think that I will do it, because how else will I get seen, it will be another yet before I get back fit, and then I'll have to that season with Mayo.

"But little did I know, there was a little backroom look in already as it was."

Moving to North Melbourne, Gilroy moved knowing she could move back home to Mayo within six months had she not enjoyed Australia.

However, in a professional environment, with family and friends in Australia, including a number of Mayo