Kobe McDonald makes trip home fuelling speculation he could feature in Mayo club championship 

Kobe McDonald pictured with young fans at the weekend.

Mayo’s most famous Leaving Cert student was back on home soil at the weekend.

Exam results were out on Friday and All-Ireland hero Kobe McDonald was back in Mayo to cheer on his former classmates.

Some of his ex-Gortnor Abbey pals were in action as Lahardane MacHales took on Louisburgh in Bofeenaun in the Intermediate Championship.

Lahardane MacHales ran out 0-18 to 1-12 in the clash.

Before his surprise return Kobe jetted off to Oz earlier this month where he linked up with his new AFL team St Kilda.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a professional athlete,” the 18-year-old said in his first interview Down Under.

“So, when St Kilda gave me the opportunity, I could never say no, never turn it down."

The move will, he said, allow him to test his skills, "test new things" and "meet new people".

“It’s very exciting.”

His trip home has fuelled speculation that McDonald, who flew to Melbourne after the victory over Kerry last month, will feature for his club Crossmolina in the closing stages of the championship.

More Irish talent may join McDonald in Australia next season. Last week, Richmond held a combine in Athlone to have a closer look at several players, including Dublin’s Charlie McMorrow and Leitrim’s Barry McNulty. 

It is understood several clubs are planning similar events in the coming months.