All-Ireland winner scores fastest goal in AFLW history on debut

Now that’s how you make an impact.

The former Gaelic footballer joined Greater Western Sydney Giants last March following a a successful trial in Sydney.

O'Dowd was right in the centre of the action from the throw in as she scooped up the ball from the throw-in and glided through the Western Bulldogs defence before slotting her shot in between the opposition goalposts at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

The 26-year-old from Ballinamore struck again early in the second half to make it a debut to remember, and potentially the first flourish in a highly successful career in Australia.

The Giants went on to win the game emphatically with a final score 10.12 (72) to 1.3 (9).

O'Dowd found out on Thursday that she would be in the starting line-up for the first time during a training session on Thursday.

The former schoolteacher won an All-Ireland senior gaelic football medal with Dublin in 2023, after switching from Leitrim due to her work in the capital.

She is the fourth Irish player to be signed by the Giants since 2017.

Another Leitrim native – Kiltubrid’s Áine Tighe – is also on an AFL roster this season with the Freemantle Dockers – she’s been with the western Australia club since 2019.

O'Dowd found out on Thursday that she would be in the starting line-up for the first time during a training session on Thursday.