Mayo’s Kobe McDonald is certainly not short of fans, and this was evident at the weekend when he arrived to play a match for his local club, Crossmolina Deel Rovers.

The star has been recruited by St Kilda AFL in Australia and made his way down under a week or two after Mayo won their first All-Ireland in 75 years.

It was announced this month that the 18-year-old was granted permission from the AFL to return home and play with his team for the club championships. However, Kobe may not have expected such fanfare at his first game.

Taking on Mayo Gaels, the match ended in a draw, Crossmolina 0-16 to 2-10 Mayo Gaels, with Kobe’s brother Jordan Flynn securing a point to secure the draw for the team.

And as soon as the final whistle blew, fans made their way onto the pitch to find one of their favourite players, Kobe!

Keeping fast on his trail, they even followed him as far as the dressing room.

Kids of all ages had the pens and phones at the ready, hoping to get an autograph from the player or a quick selfie.

Chatting to journalist James Breheny, Kobe highlighted how important it was for him to return to play alongside his club and was grateful that the AFL would permit him to do so.

‘That’s a testament to what they’ve done for me all year. They’ve been so good to me. Firstly, letting me play with Mayo and then letting three of us play with our clubs back home. They know how much the club means to us. I just can’t thank them enough,’ Kobe said.

And judging from the crowd’s reaction, it looks like GAA fans were very happy to have him home… although it looks like Kobe may have to hire some bodyguards for his next match.