Armstrong set for move Down Under

Duleek-Bellewstown star signs for AFL club St Kilda

Meath GAA has been dealt another significant blow this morning with the news that one of the counties brightest young prospects, and star of the Leinster u-20 FC success this year, Eamonn Armstrong has signed for Australian rules Football club St Kilda.

Given Armstrong's phenomenal physical and athletic attributes it is no surprise that the AFL actively sought his services and his attitude and skills make him an ideal candidate for the Australian game.

Armstrong was viewed as the future of Meath football. The type of player the new rules would suit down to the ground and a player who would have been expected to transition into the senior set-up very quickly.

However, the Duleek-Bellewstown teenager has signed a Category B contract with St Kilda for two years and will link up with the Melbourne based club after he completes his Leaving Cert next summer.

Armstrong is clearly looking forward to the challenges ahead, and the opportunity to become a full-time professional athlete.

“I couldn’t be more excited to embrace this opportunity and all of the experiences it will bring,” Armstrong said.

“The club has been terrific in really making my family and I feel comfortable with this process.

“I know I have a lot to learn, but I can’t wait to get stuck in and really give it my all.”

Armstrong is eager to complete his education in Ireland before moving to Australia and St Kilda General Manager David Misson explained that the club are happy with that decision.

"We are really supportive of Eamonn’s decision to finish school and join us in a few months," said Misson.

“We clearly see great potential in him and wanted to make sure he had the comfort of knowing he’d secured a place on our list in the meantime to allow him to concentrate on his studies. We look forward to making Eamonn welcome at RSEA Park next year.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Eamonn and his family to the club.

“As a club, we’re committed to exploring every avenue available when it comes to making ourselves better, whether that’s through talent pathways here or through scouting cross-code, international athletes.”

Armstrong will join Cork's Liam O'Connell at the St Kilda club and there will be plenty of Meath support in Melbourne when he arrives with Simonstown's Conor Nash now well established at Hawthorn, while Dunboyne's Vikki Wall is a key player for North Melbourne. Clann na nGael's Orlagh Lally plays with the Dockers in Fremantle.

Armstrong will become the 13th Irish player on a list for 2025.

Irish in the AFL 2025: Oisin Mullin (Geelong), Cillian Burke (Geelong), Mark O’Connor (Geelong). Conor Nash (Hawthorn), Rob Monahan (Carlton), Matt Duffy (Carlton), Liam O’Connell (St Kilda), Eamonn Armstrong (St Kilda), Callum Brown (GWS Giants), Darragh Joyce (Brisbane), Conor McKenna (Brisbane), Mark Keane (Adelaide), Karl Gallagher (Adelaide).