Wee County starlet Ciaran Byrne braces for AFL debut

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The 20-year-old will line out at half-back with fellow Irishman Zach Tuohy behind him in defence.

Last week, the Louth man was upgraded from the rookie list in place of the injured Cameron Giles, allowing him feature in senior games. With Cork’s Ciaran Sheehan close to a return from injury, it appears only a matter of time before Carlton make history and take to the field with three Irish players in a competitive AFL game.

Wee County starlet Ciaran Byrne braces for AFL debut Irish Examiner

 

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Former Kerry and Sydney Swans footballer Tadhg Kennelly is now working for the AFL as an International Talent Scout. He explained how he helped bring more lucrative guidelines for international rookies.

“I have standardised the contracts so that there is a minimum that you must be able to offer an Irish player. You have to be able to offer him $80,000. He has to have three return flights home a year for him and his parents, and he has to have free rent and a free car for the two years. There’s also match payments if he plays senior games, which vary from $3,000 to $5,000.

“They are just the minimum requirements that if you are going to take an Irish player, this is what it is going to cost you,” said Kennelly.

Wee County starlet Ciaran Byrne braces for AFL debut Irish Examiner