Cork dual star Aoife Healy signs AFLW deal

It has also been confirmed that Waterford footballer Emma Murray has joined Geelong

Cork camogie and ladies football player Aoife Healy will move Down Under in May on a two-year deal. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Fremantle have confirmed the signing of Cork dual player Aoife Healy. The 21-year-old will join the AFLW club on a two-year deal ahead of the 2026 season. 

Healy's move will be a blow to both the Cork camogie and ladies football teams. The Aghada and Cloyne star won All-Ireland camogie titles in 2023 and 2024. 

“We first met Aoife during a talent identification trip to Ireland last year, and she caught our eye pretty quickly,” said Fremantle AFLW list manager Darryn Fry.

“We’ve kept in touch with her management and watched her progress closely over the past 18 months and have been really impressed.

“There’s still some rawness, but the growth she’s shown with ball in hand in such a short time gives us a lot of confidence for next season and beyond.

“She’s tall, fast and highly athletic, with excellent repeat speed and a real competitive edge.

“She embraces the physical side of the game and in her camogie background, she’s used to playing right in the thick of it.”

Healy will move Down Under in May following the completion of her third-level exams. She will join fellow Irish players Aisling McCarthy, Orlagh Lally, and Áine Tighe at the western Australia club. 

“We’re really excited to bring Aoife and the Healy family to Fremantle and continue our strong connection with Irish talent,”  Fry added.

“We’ve had outstanding Irish players come through the club, and we’re thrilled to give Aoife this opportunity.” 

It was also announced on Tuesday that Geelong Cats have signed Waterford footballer Emma Murray. Last month, the 27-year-old midfielder became the first Deise player to win a ladies football All-Star award in 18 years. 

“Emma has displayed the traits of a player who we think can develop into a very athletic half-back and wing prospect; she has impressive running capability and is known back home for her great composure and decision-making,” said Geelong AFLW operations and recruiting manager Ben Waller.

“We can’t wait to welcome Emma to Australia and the Cats and wish her all the best as she completes her campaign back home with Waterford.”

It brings to four the number of Irish players on the Geelong AFLW squad. Murray joins Rachel Kearns, Kate Kenny and Aishling Moloney.