Eamonn Armstrong has signed for AFL club St Kilda in a big blow for Meath Football.
The Duleek/Bellewstown player was one of the main stars behind Meath's Leinster u20 triumph this year, scoring 1-2 from play in a scorching man-of-the-match display against Louth in the Leinster final.
Armstrong was named the Leinster U20 player of the year on the back of his performances but there has been growing speculation about a move to the AFL in recent weeks.
It's come to pass with Armstrong signing as a category B rookie for St Kilda, beginning his venture Down Under after finishing school next year.
The 18-year-old is renowned for his athleticism, and represented Ireland as an underage soccer player having played in the academy at St Patrick's Athletic.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Eamonn and his family to the club,” said Executive General Manager of Football at St Kilda David Misson.
“As a club, we’re committed to exploring every avenue available when it comes to making ourselves better, whether that’s through talent pathways here or through scouting cross-code, international athletes.”
“We’re really supportive of Eamonn’s decision to finish school and join us in a few months,” Misson said.
“We clearly see great potential in him and wanted to make sure he had the comfort of knowing he’d secured a place on our list in the meantime to allow him to concentrate on his studies.
“We look forward to making Eamonn welcome at RSEA Park next year.”
A touch of magic from our newest Irish Saint, 18-year-old Eamonn Armstrong! ✨ pic.twitter.com/I9gZDg5e4l
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) November 22, 2024
Armstrong played wing back for the Meath under-20s throughout the season, before their loss to Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final.
“I couldn’t be more excited to embrace this opportunity and all of the experiences it will bring,” he said.
“The club has been terrific in really making my family and I feel comfortable with this process.
“I know I have a lot to learn, but I can’t wait to get stuck in and really give it my all.”
