'We felt it was inevitable': John Maughan on Mayo teen Kobe McDonald’s AFL move
John Maughan said he doesn't know if Kobe McDonald will play U20 football with Mayo next year before he departs for Australia. Pic: Stephen Marken/Sportsfile
In Crossmolina, they will send Kobe McDonald off with nothing other than pride and best wishes. For John Maughan, there is disappointment that the bright prospect is leaving for AFL club St Kilda, but equal delight at the opportunity that lies ahead for him.
Crossmolina native Maughan, who played for and managed Mayo as well as four other counties, coached the club’s senior team this season as they reached the senior semi-final. McDonald was one of the standout performers in that side. He was among five minors who started on their championship team.
It was confirmed on Monday that McDonald, the 17-year-old son of Mayo legend Ciarán, will join St Kilda after completing his Leaving Cert next June.
“We are disappointed from a GAA perspective that the whole country doesn’t get to see the skillset this guy has, but at the same time, we are happy for him,” said Maughan.
“I know him personally. He is one of the nicest young lads you will ever come across. Just an absolute gent. He has been reared exceptionally well.
“We were out a couple of weeks ago in Belmullet and he was generous to a fault with people coming up to him. They had come from Kerry, Tipperary to see him. There was no such thing as a refusal. He was a smiley, happy kid enjoying life. I would imagine it is an emotional day in his school, Gortnor Abbey. They are a very tight group.
“Those young lads who played on our Crossmolina team came up together. He would be a very popular figure so there will be emotion in the school today, I’d imagine now that it is official.
“He is just a lovely young lad. He ticks the box in every department. We are delighted he was able to make this decision and wish him nothing but the best and hope he is a huge success. We are disappointed to lose him, no doubt about it. He would make a difference to Mayo and his club. This was inevitable. We felt it was inevitable.”
Despite his youth, Maughan is adamant that McDonald had the ability to make his mark with Mayo. It has not been confirmed whether he will play U20 football for the upcoming season.
Earlier this year, St Kilda signed Meath’s Eamonn Armstrong after he completed his Leaving Cert. He did play U20, scoring two points in the Leinster U20 final against Louth.
“This guy was fit to play. People might question whether he has the time to develop physically, he hasn’t but I never saw him being put back on his ass. He played brilliantly well in every game we played. He is so quick. He has such a great skillset. He glides around players.
“He was mingling and mixing it with senior players around Mayo. I would imagine he wouldn’t be fast-tracked to senior. He is still U20. The best pathway right now would be if was to stay and play a U20 campaign and then step into senior. We don’t know if he will play U20 this year. I’m not quite sure. The U20 management will be anxious to get him to play. I’m not sure what will happen there.”
Ultimately, the club will be cheering him on as he looks to establish himself Down Under. They will also hope to see him again soon.
“Knowing Kobe, he has a huge love of place. His grandparents here never miss a game. They always support him and I would imagine they will miss him terribly. I would not be one bit surprised if we see Kobe come back when the season concludes over there, he will make every effort to return and play for Crossmolina. Several players have managed to do that after going to Australia.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
