Tyrone minor set for Sydney switch

Tyrone minor footballer Kyle Coney has signed a two-year rookie contract with Australian Rules club Sydney Swans, where he will link up with fellow Irishmen Tadhg Kennelly and Brendan Murphy.

Midfielder Coney, who hails from Ardboe, is hoping to help Tyrone to All-Ireland minor success - they face Roscommon in an upcoming quarter-final - before he joins the Swans.

The 18-year-old was also a target for the Carlton Blus and Brisbane Lions.

He will link up with Sydney again in November after a successful trial period with the club recently.

Coney is the latest in a line of talented youngsters from Ulster to try their luck at an Aussie Rules career.

Down's Martin Clarke and Kevin Dyas of Armagh are currently making waves with Collingwood.

Down star Paul McComiskey has also been linked this year with a move to Brisbane, who snapped up Laois' Conor Meredith a couple of weeks ago.

Coney was reportedly encouraged to try out with Sydney by Tyrone great Peter Canavan, who teaches him at Holy Trinity School.