Cian Breheny back home after trial for Aussie Rules ‘ giants’
Two- week stint with AFL champs Hawthorn Hawks in Melbourne
EIGHTEEN- YEAR- OLD Sligo and St Mary’s player, Cian Breheny, has just returned from a two week stint with Aussie Rules giants Hawthorn Hawks in Melbourne.
Breheny was invited over by the AFL Premiership Champions for a trial period.
He came to their attention after some great personal performances for his club, college and county over the last 18 months.
Cian said: “The two weeks was an unbelievable experience. I got the opportunity to train with the current AFL Champions.”
“I was genuinely taken aback by the way I was accepted by the players, coaches and staff in what is a very important part of their season.” Cian attended the club every day. He took full part in all of the first team’s club activities, including team meetings, strength and conditioning work and training as they prepared for games with Carlton and Collingwood.
He was guest at both these games with his father, Tommy, and uncle, Eamonn O’Hara.
Breheny was an instrumental member of the St Mary’s success story over the last number of years.
He won multiple county medals at every grade from under- 12 up to under- 20 levels.
He was still only 16 when he played a big part in St Mary’s senior team’s run to the 2012 County Final, where they were pipped by Curry.
Cian has also played for Sligo at under- 16, minor and under- 21 levels.
I was genuinely taken aback by the way I was accepted by the players, coaches and staff.
He recently received a scholarship from Dublin City University for his performances with their Freshers team this year.
Cian said: “It was fantastic to experience the inside of a sport at a professional level at such a brilliant club.
“Even though I was there only a short time, it was a great sporting lesson.
“I will get feed back from the trip in a few weeks time, but neither myself or the Hawthorns have committed to anything further until then.
“My full focus at the moment is to help my club St Mary’s in the Sligo club championship.”