Meredith takes chance with Kangaroos

Laois teenager Conor Meredith has become the latest Gaelic footballer to sign forms with an Australian Rules club.

The former O'Moore county minor has signed a two-year international rookie contract with North Melbourne Kangaroos, after impressing during a trial period.

Both Meredith and Antrim starlet Niall McKeever stood out during AFL agent Ricky Nixon's recruitment camp in Castlebar in August, and the pair have trialled recently with Richmond, North Melbourne and St. Kilda.

Confirming his deal Down Under, O'Dempsey's clubman Meredith said: "It's good news. I've got a two-year rookie contract with North Melbourne and it's a dream come true.

"I want to play professionally so the opportunity to have an AFL career is just too good to turn down."

However, there has been some good news for Laois senior football manager Sean Dempsey with the confirmation that leading forward MJ Tierney will be available for the 2009 campaign.

The ace free-taker travelled to Hong Kong in the summer, following Laois' championship exit.

But he was back playing for his club Ballyroan-Abbey last week and has told the county management that it is full steam ahead for him for the O'Byrne Cup and National League.