Westmeath Teenager Joins Aussie Rules Side Hawthorn

Tuesday, 26 October 2021 07:54

Fionn O'Hara has signed a two year deal with the club.

Westmeath's Fionn O'Hara has joined A-F-L club Hawthorn.

The St. Lomans clubman signs as an International Category B rookie on a two-year deal.

O'Hara was previously involved in Leinster Rugby's academy system and has been capped by Ireland at underage level.

Speaking on their club website, Hawthorn's National Recruitment and List Manager Mark McKenzie said,

"In addition to his eye-catching athletic attributes, O’Hara was also a skilful kick on both sides of his body. We’re rapt to be able to bring Fionn on board after having our eye on him for three years,” McKenzie said.

Over the course of the time we’ve got to know him, we’ve found him to be a really high-level character with a great work ethic and a real understanding of professionalism having had that experience in those elite pathways.

He has worked hard already to hone his AFL skills, so he’s already developed some strong kicking skills coupled with being a good decision maker with ball in hand as well.

Fionn-ally! 🤗

We've had our eye on him for a few years but now exciting Irishman Fionn O'Hara is officially a Hawk! 😎

DETAILS ⬇️

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— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) October 26, 2021

Having won Man of the Match in a winning All-Irelands schoolboys Gaelic football final with Coláiste Mhuire as well as representing both Ireland and his province Leinster in under-18 rugby union, O’Hara has turned his back on those prospects to follow his AFL opportunity with Hawthorn.

Fionn actually visited the club in early 2020 and spent some time in Melbourne throughout that period along with his family,” McKenzie said.

So, he already knows a bit about the city as well as the standards and expectations of being a professional footballer, so that should help him with his transition across to Australia.

“We expect him to enter the program early in the new year.”