Kobe McDonald sets early-November date for Australia return

Mayo manager Andy Moran said the door remained open for McDonald to make a return in the future

Kobe McDonald was given permission by St Kilda to play for Crossmolina in the Mayo SFC. Pic: Paul Phelan/Sportsfile

Kobe McDonald plans to spend time with St Kilda later this year before returning to Ireland in December for the wedding of his brother and Mayo teammate Jordan Flynn. McDonald will begin life in Australia in earnest around January. 

The 18-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Melbourne-based club and spent time in Australia following Mayo's All-Ireland victory.

McDonald came back to Ireland in late August and, with permission from St Kilda, he resumed playing with Crossmolina Deel Rovers in the Mayo SFC. He is set to line out for the club in their quarter-final against Garrymore on Saturday evening. 

"I think we're looking at around the 1st or 2nd of November," said McDonald, explaining his plans on the Late Late Show.

"I'll head back over, then a quick flight back for this man's wedding. And then back over, back to business, and around January time, properly."

Mayo manager Andy Moran praised McDonald for how he has handled the attention this season, adding that the door remained open for a future return. 

"We wish him well," said Moran.

"If you're on about ambassadors for Gaelic Football and ambassadors for Mayo, at 18 years of age, to do what he did, but then to take on... He didn't shy away from the media. He didn't shy away from any of his responsibilities. We will welcome him with open arms if he ever decides to come back."