Oisín Mullin confirmed on Sunday evening that he will not be leaving Ireland to play Aussie rules. He will instead be making himself available to be selected by Mayo football manager James Horan.
It had been thought that the two-time Young Footballer of the Year would be going to Australia to play with AFL side Geelong.
"Going to Australia to play professionally was a really interesting opportunity and it was something I wanted to research and consider in detail," Mullin told the Mayo GAA website.
"It was a big decision for me as playing for Mayo with my friends is a huge honour and something I love doing, so I wanted to take the time to consider all aspects of it.
"After some careful thinking and a lot of support from family, I have decided to stay in Ireland and I am really excited about joining up with the Mayo Senior Football panel as soon as possible.
"I am grateful to everyone who helped me during the process. I especially want to send my appreciation to everyone at Geelong Football Club. I want to thank them for their understanding and wish them every success for the future."
Since making his Mayo championship debut in October 2020, Mullin has played in two All-Ireland finals.
Mayo manager James Horan added: "It has been a pleasure to work with Oisin since he came into the panel in 2019. I am delighted he will be part of the Mayo Senior Football panel this year.
"Oisin is a fantastic guy, a leader, and adds so much to the setup. There is a great spirit in the current squad and all the players are delighted to be back up and running. Our first game is now only a few weeks away and we as a team are really looking forward to the year ahead."
Geelong list manager Andrew Mackie said the club recognised the difficult decision which Mullin faced.
"Moving to a new country to take up a new game is a significant decision, and we respect the fact that Oisin has decided to remain at home,” Mackie said.
"We have enjoyed getting to know Oisin through this process and wish him well with Mayo as they seek an All-Ireland title. We hope he can achieve his goals both on and off the field."
Featured image: 11 September 2021; Oisín Mullin of Mayo during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Mayo and Tyrone at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
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