Laois loss is Lions’ gain as AFL club swoops for youngsters
The pair have been offered two-year rookie contracts.
The 19-year-olds have been given some time to think over the offer and Begley in particular will need that as his Stradbally team features in Sunday's Laois county final against Portlaoise.
However, sources in the county have indicated that both players are leaning towards following in the footsteps of Jim Stynes and Tadhg Kennelly down under.
"I would be very disappointed to lose them," said manager Mick O'Dwyer yesterday.
"I heard they were going for trials and if they decide to go they will be a huge loss to Laois football. They're both excellent players with a lot of promise.
"It's a big opportunity for lads of their age though and you can't stand in their way.
I'm as much in the dark as the next man at the moment."
Both players featured for the Irish U-17 team in
Australia in 2003 where Quigley's performances earned him the player of the series accolade and Begley was named man of the match in one of the three games.
The Lions have denied allegations they are holding 'screening camps' in Ireland but admit a club official, Graeme Allan, is on his second fact-finding mission to Ireland.
"We're always keen to develop our list," chief executive Michael Bowers said last week.
"As a club, we have the resources to look beyond the usual areas."
The club added that offering contracts to players who have never kicked an oval ball is a risky business.
Two other Laois players Daithi Carroll and Cathal Óg Greene who featured in the latest U-17 series, also attended trials but neither was offered a contract.
Others to come in for close inspection were Down All-Ireland-winning minors James Colgan and centre-forward Martin Clarke. Officials in Down were yesterday unable to shed light on whether contracts had been offered.
Despite his tender age, Begley was right wing-back on O'Dwyer's team this year, while Quigley, who won a minor All-Ireland in 2003, is a gifted midfielder.
Already drafted into the senior squad for the season ahead, the tall Timahoe player would be a prized addition to a panel that offers little competition to regular midfielders Noel Garvan and Padraig Clancy.
Meanwhile, Tadhg Kennelly has been offered a new contract by Premiership-winning Aussie Rules outfit Sydney Swans.
Kennelly is at home in Listowel during the off season, recovering from an ankle operation carried out just days after their AFL Grand Final win.
Kennelly, 24, has a year left on his current contract but the club are keen to tie up the marauding half-back on new, undisclosed terms.
The chief problem is his desire to return home and play for the Kerry senior footballers while still in his prime.
He has a huge decision to make and the former Kerry minor and U-21 star admitted that "crunch time" is approaching.
"The club are talking to my agent and trying to make an offer to me but while I'm at home I'm trying to just enjoy my break," said Kennelly.
"They don't like players coming to the end of their contract and they want to sign me up again sooner rather than later.
"I'll definitely go again with the Swans for this year and see out my contract but then it's crunch time. I'm not getting any younger and I don't want to be coming back to play for Kerry with my best years behind me."
