Tipperary GAA could be set for a massive blow next month with news that Colin O'Riordan has been selected for the AFL draft combine. The 19 year old has been marked out as one of the leading young GAA stars in the country and the fact that he is as adept with a hurley as he is with a football means his loss could be a huge blow to the Premier County.
O'Riordan, who was recently named EirGrid u21 footballer of the year, has spoken to the Irish Independent about the potential move and understandably, his decision to go forward for the draft is down to the financial opportunities which the AFL offers.
It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I couldn't say no to doing something that I love for a living. I would absolutely jump at the chance.
The youngster from Templemore already has a minor All Ireland to his name and he had been earmarked as a significant part of the project to turn Tipp into a major force in the senior football championship. That may still happen considering the competition at the combine. However, if O'Riordan displays the kind of skills down under that he has here, a contract offer may not be far away.
If he's looking for some inspiration, Tyrone's Conor McKenna, who recently made his debut with Essendon, was part of last year's combine so there's certainly a well trodden path for O'Riordan if he's able to impress.
