Begley on up Down Under

International Rules: Gavin Cummiskey talks to a young Laois footballer already making a name for himself in the tough AFL.

Normally it takes a Gaelic footballer several attempts to adapt to the intricacies of Aussie Rules but Colm Begley has made the breakthrough, with the Brisbane Lions, in his rookie season.

Stradbally in Laois is more usually associated with the exodus of youth. Its people have wandered all around the world, with this latest traveller managing to make a name for himself in the ultra-physical sport Down Under.

Transforming an amateur sportsman into a professional starts in the gym: "I have put on eight kilos (of muscle) already this year. The Lions are developing a young team and they need us ready for the physicality of the top level.

"Every player gets assigned a personal coach to work on particular aspects of the game. Mine has been especially helpful as I was trying to learn a new game. The ball was going everywhere but when I came home I found it difficult to go back playing football."

The head-hunting of the tenacious wing back, along with Down teenager Martin Clarke by Collingwood, forced the GAA to get tough. They have threatened to "review" the International Rules series if Australian clubs continue to poach young Irish talent. For starters, trial camps at DCU and the University of Limerick - where Begley, Clarke and Setanta Ó hAilpín were picked off - have become unacceptable.

"The Lions coach Graeme Allen first saw me in the under-17 International Rules series in Australia and they then went to the Leinster final (in 2005) against Dublin. They never let me know that at the time. I only found out when I received a letter to attend a trial in UL about 18 months ago."

The GAA expect the AFL hierarchy to placate them as regards player poaching on their arrival next week for the compromise series. And yet, no restrictions exist to deny someone switching to professional sport.

And this convert is hardly talking it down.

"It's definitely a good career option. They look after you very well and they have to, as it is a very physical game that takes its toll on the body after a while. It's a great opportunity, if you make it, as you can set yourself up for life. I'd recommend it.

"Even if it doesn't work out you will return a bigger, stronger footballer with more information on how to prepare professionally. It's only two years. That's not long, sure, is it?"

It looks like Begley may be staying in the AFL when his initial contract expires. When Justin Leppitsch succumbed to injury, he became the fifth rookie elevated to the Lions' senior list and featured in the last two games of the regular season. This included a run out against Tadhg Kennelly's Sydney Swans.

"I am happy the way it's going. I suppose I have exceeded expectations but next year is the big test for me to see whether I can stick at it.

"I would love to come back some day, maybe like Tadhg has said, when I am 28 or 29 and play for Laois. For now, though, I am trying to map out a career for myself. I played two top-level games already this season. I was actually elevated for the last four games but a few days before what should have been my debut I tore my quad kicking a ball in training."

He made contact with and kept in touch with Kennelly and Ó hAilpín throughout the season but for every success there is a multitude of unknown failures.

Begley's underage team-mate Brendan Quigley also signed rookie papers with the Lions but homesickness pulled him home after a couple of months. Laois football is the better for it.

"I was sorry to see Brendan go but he wasn't happy with it for a long time and you have to do whatever makes you happy. He has done well since returning home and really impressed me during the championship. He has been well able to play intercounty football for a while so it is good to see him breaking through."

Begley is home for an extended off-season until November 7th but he is not exactly relaxing having lined out for Stradbally in their championship quarter-final defeat to Ballyroan Gaels, while he is in Toulouse this weekend with Seán Boylan's Irish squad - striving to make Wednesday's final cut. "I don't want to jump the gun but I would love the opportunity to play."

Stradbally, Laois and Ireland may only get fleeting glimpses of their departed son but no one begrudges him his success.