DONEGAL GAA have confirmed this afternoon that Finnbarr Roarty is heading for the AFL.
The 2025 Young Footballer of the Year has signed a rookie contract with Collingwood.
A statement read: “Clg Dhún na nGall can confirmed that Finnbarr Roarty has signed a rookie contract for AFL Club Collingwood.
“Whilst we are sorry to see Finnbarr go, we wish him every success in the future.”
Roarty had previously been on the radar of the Australian Rules clubs during his teenage years but remained at home.
However, he now is set to become the latest GAA star to head down under.
Mayo All-Ireland winner Kobe McDonald has already linked up with St Kilda, while Kerry have been badly hit and their All-Ireland U20 winners Daniel Kirby and Evan Boyle are also set to head away.
Several Donegal players including Michael Murphy, Patrick McBrearty, Jason McGee, Eoghan ‘Ban’ Gallagher, Peadar Mogan and Oisin Gallen have been linked with a move to the AFL before.
Now Roarty is set to depart and he will leave a sizeable void in the Donegal defence next term.
The defender has been a revelation since breaking onto the senior team and is a firm fan’s favourite.
Roarty is expected to line out in the County Final for his club Naomh Conaill on Sunday against St Eunan’s.