Irish Players Flock to AFLW, Raising Concerns for Ladies Gaelic Football
The Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) continues to attract a growing number of talented players from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), prompting concerns about the future strength of the inter-county game in Ireland. The lure of a professional sporting career Down Under is proving increasingly difficult for Irish athletes to resist.
Exodus of Talent
Meath star Mary-Kate Lynch is the latest player to make the move, signing with the Sydney Swans for the 2026 AFLW season. The Sydney Swans announced the signing, highlighting Lynch’s speed and defensive capabilities. She will join fellow Irish players Tanya Kennedy, Paris McCarthy, and Julie O’Sullivan on the Swans’ roster. Lynch, a two-time All-Ireland winner, previously played at full-back in Meath’s All-Ireland SFC final victories in 2021 and 2022.
This trend follows that of other prominent Irish players, including Vikki Wall, Orlagh Lally, Aoibhin Cleary, and Sarah Wall, who have also chosen to pursue their careers in the AFLW. As of March 5, 2026, over 40 Irish players are expected to participate in the 2026 AFLW season, now entering its 10th year.
The Appeal of Professionalism
Aishling Sheridan of Cavan, who previously played for Collingwood between 2021 and 2023, emphasized the appeal of a full-time athletic career. Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Sheridan noted that many young footballers in Cavan aspire to play in the AFLW rather than focusing solely on representing their county at the senior level or winning an All-Ireland.
“It is going to be scary,” Sheridan said, acknowledging the potential impact on the LGFA. She highlighted the benefits of a professional environment, including dedicated training, recovery support, and nutritional guidance, which are often difficult to achieve alongside the demands of amateur Gaelic football.
Bríd Stack, a former Cork player with 11 All-Ireland titles, also experienced the draw of the AFLW, joining the GWS Giants in 2021. Her motivation, however, was a combination of sporting and lifestyle factors.
Concerns for the LGFA
The increasing number of departures is raising concerns about the standard of inter-county ladies football in Ireland. Kerry legend Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh has voiced fears about the impact of the talent drain. RTÉ reports that if a significant number of top players were removed from the men’s game, the quality would undoubtedly suffer, and the same applies to ladies football.
However, Stack believes the situation may improve as the AFLW matures and develops its own talent pipeline. She suggests that the academies in Australia are producing more ready-made players, potentially reducing the reliance on Irish recruits. She anticipates a plateauing, or even a decrease, in the demand for Irish players in the future.
Weathering the Storm
Despite the current challenges, Stack remains optimistic. She believes the LGFA must “weather the storm” while the AFLW establishes itself. The opportunity for Irish players to gain valuable experience and develop as athletes in a professional league remains a significant draw, and it’s a difficult proposition to discourage talented players from pursuing such opportunities.