Red, white and green: Paris McCarthy's Sydney dream feels a lot like home

Excelling in an Irish-strong Swans set-up in the AFLW, the former Kerry star has her eyes on becoming a dual-sport star

FITTING RIGHT IN: Paris McCarthy of the Swans warms up during the 2023 AFLW Round 03 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Sydney Swans at Brighton Homes Arena on September 17, 2023 in Ipswich, Australia. Pic: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Paris McCarthy makes the call home from Sydney to Kerry every day. She did something similar while playing Division One basketball with Tennessee. The 19-year-old and her parents make it work despite thousands of miles and time zones and all the other complications that come from disparate continents. Only one thing ever gets in the way. 

“I ring home every day. I might miss them once in a blue moon because of mass,” she says with a smile. “My mam goes to mass at 11. I have to plan around that if we have an evening training. She goes to Castleisland; we are big fans of Fr Mossie Brick. I actually sent him a postcard back for him last month. An amazing priest!”