Less than two weeks after an All-Ireland final no one will ever forget, Mayo’s starboy Kobe McDonald has been unveiled as an AFL player.
Kobe, son of Mayo legend Ciarán, helped Mayo win their first All-Ireland in 75 years, ending the drought that saw Mayo’s ‘nearly’ men finally get over the line (and lift a supposed curse that befell the winners of 1951).
While it had been well known for a while now that Kobe was a one and done when it came to inter-county football, the 18-year-old has finally been announced as a player for St Kilda in the AFL.
Sharing photos of himself wearing a St Kilda kit and holding an AFL ball, his supporters and former county teammates were delighted to see him make the big switch.
‘Looking fresh kid,’ Mayo legend Aidan O’Shea commented, while another added: ‘Up Mayo! Best of luck.’
Others were hoping that while he has a fruitful career down under, he will return at some stage, with one commenting: ‘don’t forget to come back @kobe_mcdonald7 – enjoy your time in Oz!’
Kobe was also introduced to his new club via a fun ‘quick fire questions’ video, and despite swapping Gaelic Football for Aussie Rules, he won’t let people forget the huge accomplishment less than two weeks ago, saying a fun fact of his is that he ‘won the All-Ireland with my brother last week.’
Jordan Flynn, Kobe’s older half-brother, was a part of the Mayo team that helped win the All-Ireland, while Kobe managed an impressive 0-03 in the final against Kerry, including a superb 45.
Before heading to Australia, Kobe and Jordan jetted off for some R&R in Spain — with the lads spotted outside a restaurant in Salou earlier this week.
The brothers were snapped in the Fox and Hounds restaurant with their partners Leah Maheady and Jessie Brown, while a photo was shared of the group alongside a member of staff and posted to the restaurant’s social media.
‘We were thrilled to have top footballers Kobe McDonald and Jordan Flynn drop by the Fox and Hounds!’ they shared.
‘We’re wishing them heaps of success and glory ahead. Kobe and Jordan Flynn visited us with their family during their trip to Salou.
‘Thanks for stopping by Kobe and Jordan this is your home away from home when you’re in the Costa Dorada.’
