Rory Beggan believes his age was a major factor in him not securing an NFL contract earlier this year.

The 32-year-old Monaghan goalkeeper took part in the NFL's International Player Pathway programme along with fellow kickers Charlie Smyth from Down and Wicklow's Mark Jackson last spring. That led to him trying out with the Carolina Panthers but, unlike the younger Smyth who was signed by the New Orleans Saints, Beggan wasn't offered a contract.

“I'm glad that I took the opportunity to go and I didn't turn it down. I'm glad I know and I have a bit of clarity now that it was something that didn't work out,” the Scotstown clubman said at the AIB Club Championships launch.

“There's a line drawn under it. There might not have been a line drawn under it if I was about 10 years younger.

“I wouldn't say age was the only issue - it was definitely a big issue. I definitely need to be longer at it too.

They're probably looking at me going, 'Yeah, he needs a lot more work probably on his technique and his striking - but we don't have the time for him.’ Whereas they're looking at Charlie (Smyth) and saying, 'Yeah, he needs a lot more work but we have time with him.’ I think it's more the investment side of it for them," added Beggan, who is committed to lining out for the Farney County in 2025.

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