Gaelic Games

Oisín Mullin move to AFL side Geelong off after Mayo confirm his availability

Two-time young footballer of the year had been given a squad number in Oz before announcement

Oisín Mullin is no longer moving to Australia. Photograph: Lorraine O’Sullivan/Inpho

Seán Moran's face
Seán Moran
Sun Jan 16 2022 - 23:08

Mayo GAA has announced that Oisín Mullin, the county’s twice young footballer of the year, has called off his move to Australia with AFL club Geelong. The statement from the county on Sunday night confirmed that he would be making himself available to Mayo manager James Horan for the coming season.

This is excellent news for the county, finalists in the last two All-Irelands, which they lost to Tyrone and Dublin, respectively.

News that Mullin might be having second thoughts circulated last week although Geelong had announced the signing on their website of a two-year rookie deal in November and last month allocated him a squad number.

Speaking to Mayo GAA, the player stated, “going to Australia to play professionally was a really interesting opportunity and it was something I wanted to research and consider in detail.

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“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.”

Commenting on the Kilmaine player’s decision, Mayo manager James Horan added, “It has been a pleasure to work with Oisín since he came into the panel in 2019. I am delighted he will be part of the Mayo senior football panel this year.”