Kerry footballers in big blow as Cillian Burke secures Australia move

Kerry GAA have been dealt a major blow as young star Cillian Burke has secured a move to AFL outfit Geelong Cats.

Burke will join fellow Kerryman Mark O'Connor at the club and has been signed on a Category B rookie deal.

The 21-year-old will be the seventh Irish player at the club, joining the likes of Oisin Mullin and Aishling Moloney.

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Burke had a breakthrough year with the Kingdom, appearing off the bench in both the All-Ireland quarter and semi-finals.

The announcement from Geelong reads: "Recruited out of Kerry, the same Gaelic club as fellow Irishman and Cats midfielder Mark O’Connor, Burke has impressed back home with his athleticism, speed and ball skills.

"Viewed by many as one of the Gaelic Athletic Association’s most promising and a highly touted youngsters, at 21 years of age, Burke will arrive in Australia in late November and join the Cats for the beginning of the 2025 pre-season.”

Geelong's general manager Andrew Mackie said of the signing: "Cillian is a very athletic and a talented prospect, we are thrilled he has decided to join Geelong and can’t wait to welcome him to Australia next month."

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