Derry & Offaly GAA Stars Invited To Take Part In AFL Combine Next Month

While the path from the GAA to the AFL is a well trodden one at this stage, it is notable just how many players from this part of the world are currently in Australia.

Alongside the large numbers of ladies players that have been partaking in the AFLW since its formation, we have seen a number of former GAA standouts become regulars in the AFL in recent times. The likes of Conor McKenna, Oisin Mullen, Conor Nash, Mark O'Connor, and Callum Brown have been among those to impress in the league over the last couple of seasons.

Now, two young emerging stars from Derry and Offaly will have the opportunity to join them.

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The Irish Independent are reporting that Derry's Ruairi Forbes and Offaly's Cillian Bourke have been invited to take part in the AFL combine next month.

The two youngsters were selected out of a group of Irish players that had been attending sessions put on by AFL Ireland in recent times. They will attend the AFL Grand Final this month, before meeting with a number of clubs and taking part in the combine with other potential recruits in early October.

Forbes was part of the Derry U20 squad for three years, before featuring for the senior squad in the championship over the summer. Bourke would also graduate to the Offaly senior setup as a 19-year old in 2025.

While neither player is guaranteed to join AFL teams, they will have the chance to impress potential suitors in meetings and physical tests over the coming weeks.

It would be a big blow to the respective counties of each player were they to make the move, but this opportunity is one that is difficult to turn down for any aspiring athlete.