He is a man grown now.
Tyrone knew they had lost a genuine star, back in 2013, when the Aussie Rules scouts took notice of Conor McKenna.
Then aged 18, the Dungannon native was playing in the half forward line with Tyrone minors and causing considerable damage to defences.
Essendon came calling in 2014 and McKenna took off for a shot at a professional Aussie Rules career Down Under. He may have only been drafted as the 62nd pick but he quickly showed what an astute bit of business that would be.
He made his senior debut near the tail-end of the 2015 season and scored a goal with his first kick. Since then, he has been a vital part of the Essendon team.
This evening in Australia, McKenna played a huge part in his side’s win over the Gold Coast Suns.
BOOM! Try and catch @CMckenna7 😱#DonTheSash
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) August 19, 2017
His second quarter goal, after a tremendous, four-bounce burst, had the Essendon fans on their feet and roaring their approval.
Four bounces at extreme speed and a scintillating finish from Conor McKenna! #AFLSunsDons pic.twitter.com/VWz418o0nO
— AFL (@AFL) August 19, 2017
Tyrone could do with such cutting edge, bullish attacking against Dublin in the All-Ireland semi final next weekend but few would begrudge McKenna for his decision to pursue sport as a pro career. He is flying it over there.
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