Conor McKenna is on the brink of making history in Ireland’s AFL journey as he aims to become the second man to add an AFL Premiership title to an All-Ireland medal, following in the footsteps of Tadhg Kennelly. McKenna’s Brisbane Lions have secured a spot in the Grand Final for the second consecutive year after a close victory over Geelong in the preliminary final last weekend.
McKenna, a 28-year-old footballer, has spent the majority of his career in Australia, initially playing for Essendon for six years before moving to the Lions in 2023. In between his stints in the AFL, he managed to secure an unlikely All-Ireland medal with Tyrone in 2021. Despite a disappointing title defense in the following year, McKenna played a significant role in Tyrone’s success, showcasing his skills on the field.
With 17 appearances for Brisbane leading up to the final in 2024, McKenna has been a key player for the team. His inventive plays and contributions to the team’s success have not gone unnoticed, with a particular pass that led to a goal in the recent victory gaining attention on social media in Ireland.
### History of AFL and Gaelic Football Interactions
The relationship between Aussie Rules and Gaelic football dates back nearly 60 years, with the first interactions occurring in 1967 when a VFL team faced off against the All-Ireland champions, Meath. The match proved to be a humbling experience for the Irish team, showcasing the differences and similarities between the two sports.
The early 1980s saw the initiation of the ‘Irish experiment’ in Australian rules football, with players like Sean Wight and Jim Stynes making significant impacts in the AFL. While some recruits struggled and returned home, others like Stynes and Kennelly became legends in the league, winning prestigious awards and titles.
### Resurgence of Irish Players in AFL
The late 1990s marked a resurgence of Irish players in the AFL, with the reinstatement of the international rules series in 1998. This renewed interest in recruiting Irish talent to Australian clubs, leading to successful careers for players like Kennelly and others who followed in their footsteps.
Over the years, Ireland has seen a steady stream of players making the transition to the AFL, with some achieving great success and winning Premiership titles. The development of the AFLW in 2017 has also provided opportunities for female Gaelic footballers to showcase their skills in a new code, with players like Cora Staunton making a significant impact in the league.
### Conor McKenna’s Journey and Potential Historic Win
As Conor McKenna prepares to compete in the AFL Grand Final with the Brisbane Lions, he has the chance to make history by joining the select group of Irish players who have won Premiership titles in the league. His contributions to the team and his journey from Gaelic football to the AFL highlight the talent and versatility of Irish athletes in the international sports arena.
McKenna’s story mirrors that of other successful Irish players in the AFL, showcasing the resilience and determination required to excel in a new and challenging environment. As he faces off against the Sydney Swans in the upcoming final, the Irish community eagerly anticipates the opportunity for McKenna to etch his name in the annals of both AFL and Gaelic football history.
