From Mayo to Saint Kilda: Past Irish stars and what’s next for Kobe

This week, the news that everyone in Mayo had been fearing came to pass, when it was revealed that one of the county’s brightest prospects, Kobe McDonald, will be setting off for Australia next year, having penned a deal with St Kilda in the AFL.

Here, we look into the fortunes of some of those who swapped the O’Neill’s for the oval, as well as when we could see the bright star shining on the big stage for his new club.

First, it is worth looking into the varying fortunes of those from the Emerald Isle who have joined St Kilda.

Many Irishmen have been involved with the Saints, starting with the move of Derry man Dermott McNicholl.

The Glenullin clubman was the 99th pick of the 1988 draft, but didn’t make his debut until the 1990 campaign, and made a grand total of three appearances before returning home to complete his university studies.

Since then, four Irishmen have signed with the club on a rookie basis. First was Kerry’s Tommy Walsh, who never made an appearance for the Melbourne-based men before making the move to Sydney.

Seven years on, after trialing with the club, Darragh Joyce made the switch and became the first Irishman to sign on a Category B International Rookie deal with the club.

Across his four years since making his debut, Joyce made 13 appearances before being delisted and signed as a rookie by the Brisbane Lions, where he still plies his trade.

Signed around the same time was Westmeath man Ray Connellan, who never made an appearance.

More recently, though, was Cork native Liam O’Connell. O’Connell, who will be able to help MacDonald integrate into life in Australia, put pen to paper with St Kilda in 2023, and has made seven appearances in defence in 2025.

The recurring trend for Irish players in St Kilda, and indeed across the AFL, is that of spending a few years getting to grips with the change of scenery, not to mention a new sport, before being handed the opportunity to step onto the top stage.

A Mayo face who will be able to offer words of wisdom will be living a short jaunt around Port Phillip is Oisín Mullin. Kilmaine’s finest has settled in nicely at Geelong and played a key role in securing the Black Cats' place in the AFL Grand Final.

The regular AFL season runs from March to August, with the Finals Series taking place in September.

With Kobe McDonald set to fly out after completing his Leaving Cert in Gortnor Abbey in June, he will have little time to bed in the Southeast coast in his maiden campaign.

Time will tell if McDonald will hit the ground running and establish himself as a serious prospect for St Kilda. However, the people of Mayo will be keeping a keen eye on this talented player.