Mayo footballer Aileen Gilroy has signed the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos for the 2020 AFLW season.
The 27-year-old, who lined out at midfield in last weekend's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway, is the club’s third and final rookie signing for next year.
The 2017 All-Star, who represented Ireland in the Under 17 European Championships final, impressed North AFLW recruiting manager Rhys Harwood during scouting.
"From the first time we were able to watch her play, Aileen’s power, speed, and ability to break the lines off half-back and through the midfield were hard to ignore," he said.
"Aileen has been a top-level athlete in Ireland for a significant period of time.
"Her experience and professionalism will add to our group both on and off the field, and we couldn't be more excited to have her at North Melbourne."
It adds to the growing Irish, and indeed Mayo contingent who are going to sample sport Down Under.
Welcome, Aileen Gilroy! 🇮🇪
— North Melbourne AFLW (@NorthAFLW) August 30, 2019
The 27-year-old Irishwoman has become our third and final rookie for the 2020 AFLW season. #OurTimeIsNow
Niamh and Grace Kelly scored 1-04 between them against Galway and will be linking up with West Coast, while Sarah Rowe, who picked off one point against Tribes, will return for a second season with Collingwood.
Others who have signed rookie contracts include Cavan's Aishling Sheridan (Collingwood), Louth's Kate Flood and Leitrim's Aine Tighe (Freemantle), Galway's Mairead Seoighe (North Melbourne) and Donegal's Katy Herron (Western Bulldogs).
