Young Irish footballers choosing to move to Australia
20/11/2008 by Gareth McConnell
Talented young Irish footballers are facing criticism for taking opportunities to move to Australia and play for the Australian Rules football squad AFL.
A controversy has arisen over the increasing number of young GAA players leaving Ireland in favour of Australia. Aside from the differences between Gaelic football and Australian football, critics do not like the fact that their most talented players are choosing another country over and above their birthplace. Eugene McGee, of the Irish Independent, has spoken out in defence of young players wanting to emigrate to Australia to further their careers: "Getting trials to Australia must be a marvellous opportunity for any young GAA player. They get excitement, the chance to play football for a living and are exposed to probably the best sports methodology in the world." According to McGee, much of the commentary surrounding the controversy of Irish players emigrating to Australia is hypocritical. Players of sports such as soccer, rugby and golf have moved to Australia and other countries for decades without the decision being in controversial. "Emigration has been a way of life in Ireland," says McGee, "and some of this country's most successful people have been in that category, temporary or otherwise."
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