Crossmolina receive huge boost as Kobe McDonald gets green light to play
The Crossmolina teenager will be available to represent his local club in the Mayo Senior Championship.
According to reports in The Irish Examiner, it looks like Kobe McDonald has been granted permission to play for his club Crossmolina in the Mayo Senior Championship.
McDonald returned back to Mayo in recent weeks after a brief visit to Australia where he met with his new teammates at St Kilda.
However, St Kilda who finished in 11th position in the AFL are out of the competition as they failed to reach the finals stage.
As a result, all three Irish players at the St Kilda Club have reportedly been granted permission to play for the local clubs here in Ireland. McDonald will now play for Crossmolina who face Mayo Gaels this weekend while a win there will see the Deel Rovers advance to the last eight.
Brian Benson’s side reached the semi final stage last season after winning county, provincial and All Ireland titles at intermediate grade in the 2024/2025 season. In 2025, McDonald had a superb season in his debut year at senior level before Westport eliminated the North Mayo club in the last four.
Eamonn Armstrong from Meath and Liam O’Connell from Cork who are teammates of McDonald at St Kilda have also been granted permission and they will also be available to represent their local clubs.
The AFL 2027 pre-season will commence in early November.