Kobe McDonald has left Mayo’s All-Ireland football celebrations behind him to begin a new professional sporting career in the AFL.

The teenage sensation is due to arrive in Australia tomorrow to commence his three-year contract with St Kilda. He is being accompanied by his parents – his father Ciaran is one of Mayo’s all-time great forwards – Down Under after helping the Westerners win their first All-Ireland SFC title in 75 years last Sunday week.

Kobe signed for the Saints last year, but remained at home to complete his Leaving Cert and play a season for the new Sam Maguire Cup holders.

Wishing the 18-year-old well, his club Crossmolina posted on social media: “Best of luck to our own Kobe McDonald as he heads to Australia to begin an exciting new chapter with St Kilda.

“Everyone at Crossmolina Deel Rovers wishes you every success. Safe travels, enjoy every minute of the experience, and we'll be cheering you on from home.”

Meanwhile, Ciaran Kilkenny - who had a short stint with Hawthorn in 2013 - has backed McDonald to be a success in Aussie Rules.

“I’m a massive fan of his, I think he’s a phenomenal talent,” the recently-retired Dublin great told reporters at the Aviva Stadium yesterday.

“I just think he’s such an incredible player and athlete. From an athleticism point of view, you just see him glide by people. He’s like a gazelle the way he runs around and he has so much confidence in himself, he’s a great player.

“As a Gaelic football supporter, I’d obviously love to see him play Gaelic football but, of course, I’d encourage him to take the opportunity and see how it is for himself and see how he likes it. I wish him all the best. He’s had an incredible year with Mayo."

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