Wicklow in danger of losing bright star to AFL contract

WICKLOW GAA could be losing one of its brightest young stars if Oisin McGraynor’s AFL trials conclude in his favour in UCD this weekend.

The Avondale and Wicklow footballer has been quietly attending the AFL trials for most of the summer and is there or thereabouts in terms of being offered a rookie contract that would see him depart these shores on a twoyear deal with the potential to play professionally very much a reality.

The extensive trial process which even involves interviews with the players and the parents are nearing an end and Oisin’s father, Seamus, says that this weekend will tell a lot in terms of Oisin’s chances of being selected.

It could be a very special weekend for the hugely talented footballer who lit up the Senior championship with Avondale this season and shone with Wicklow Schools earlier in the year as he celebrates his 19th birthday.

Having recently started an apprenticeship as a plumber, he may well have to swap the spanners and the ballcocks for life at Sydney Swans or Port Adelaide or one of the other professional outfits if the Australian scouts realise what they have at their fingertips and take him away to the southern hemisphere.

The trials have been very taxing on Oisin but the Avondale footballer has thrived in the intense atmosphere and Seamus says that he has as good a chance as anyone to make the precious cut this weekend.

Other recognisable names to be featuring in these trials are Carlow’s Jordan Morrissey and Mayo’s Matthew Ruane and what an experience it would be for the young Rathdrum native to travel to Australia and live the life of a professional sportsman like Carlow’s Brendan Murphy, Down’s Marty Clarke, Kerry’s Tadhg Kennelly and the legendary Jim Stynes have done before him.

We wish him all the best!