According to Crossmolina Deel Rovers chairman Enda Lavelle, Australian Rules club St Kilda has granted permission for teenager Kobe McDonald to return home and play Gaelic football for his club over the coming weeks. Alongside Meath’s Eamonn Armstrong and Cork’s Liam O’Connell, McDonald forms a trio of Irish talents currently signed with St Kilda who have been permitted to briefly rejoin their home clubs before heading back to Melbourne for pre-season workouts starting in early November.
St Kilda’s Season End Triggers GAA Return
St Kilda’s 2025 AFL campaign concluded on August 20th following a defeat to Gold Coast in the final round of regular season matches. The Melbourne club finished 11th in the standings, trailing Carlton by 10 points for the final knockout spot. Following the conclusion of their commitments Down Under, the club permitted their Irish contingent to travel back to Ireland.
McDonald flew out to Australia at the start of August to officially begin his AFL adventure. His swift return allows him to rejoin Crossmolina ahead of crucial matches in the Mayo senior football championship. Crossmolina chairman Enda Lavelle noted that the decision reflects well on the Australian outfit. “It’s a good gesture from St Kilda and I suppose it’s a welcome gesture too—it’s sort of an appreciation for where he grew up and for where he learned his trade,” Lavelle said.
Did you know?
Crossmolina last won the Mayo senior football championship in 2006, securing their seventh county title before claiming the All-Ireland intermediate crown in January 2025.
Mayo Championship Stakes and Fixtures
Crossmolina has already contested two group games in the Mayo SFC, recording a win over Ballintubber and a draw against Aghamore. Their next fixture is against Mayo Gaels in Charlestown, where a victory would guarantee Deel Rovers a place in the quarter-finals. McDonald returned to training with the club last week, providing a timely boost for manager Brian Benson’s side as they target the senior title following last year’s semi-final exit.
“It gives everybody a lift, especially the lads he has grown up with and played alongside before, so it’s great for everybody in the club to have Kobe involved again,” Lavelle stated. He added that the club is focused on knockout football, noting that every game from this point onward is essentially knockout football.
Broader Impact Across Meath and Cork Clubs
Crossmolina is not alone in reaping the rewards of St Kilda’s choice to free their signed athletes for local GAA duties, with Duleek-Bellewstown and Ballincollig also welcoming back hometown players to wear their local jerseys.
- Eamonn Armstrong (Meath): The Leinster under-20 winner from 2024 will line out for Duleek-Bellewstown in their Meath intermediate club championship campaign, with a group fixture scheduled against Oldcastle.
- Liam O’Connell (Cork): Stationed at St Kilda since 2023, O’Connell returns to play for Ballincollig in the Cork senior football championship as they prepare to face Clonakilty.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Irish St Kilda players return to Australia?
Eamonn Armstrong, Liam O’Connell, and Kobe McDonald will return to St Kilda for pre-season training, which starts in early November.
What matches are Kobe McDonald eligible to play?
McDonald is available to play for Crossmolina in the Mayo senior football championship.
Which other clubs are welcoming back AFL players?
Duleek-Bellewstown and Ballincollig will also see returning sons pull on the parish colours again.
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