GIANTS utility Eilish O’Dowd will represent the tricolours after being named in the Irish team for the NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match on Saturday, August 1.
Hailing from County Leitrim, O’Dowd was an exciting addition to the GIANTS’ AFLW squad in 2024 and has been a critical component of the team’s engine room since.
The current record holder for the fastest AFLW goal, O’Dowd stormed onto the Australian rules scene when she scored on debut within 15 seconds, marking her first disposal at AFLW level.
She has continued at that blistering pace throughout her two first seasons as a GIANT and will now enter her third as a national representative, as part of the first-ever Irish representative side.
“Playing Gaelic football, I’d never imagined actually getting to represent my country, so to have the opportunity to do so is incredible,” O’Dowd said.
“I’m so excited for the chance to run out for Ireland and to do so in Sydney with the support of the GIANTS behind me means so much.
“I can’t wait to pull on the jersey and get out there amongst the girls, looking forward to the craic!”
O’Dowd won a Ladies' National Football League title in GAA in 2025, while playing for Dublin, alongside newly announced Ireland teammate Sinead Goldrick (Melbourne Demons).
The Dublin duo joins AFLW superstars Orla O’Dwyer, Aine McDonagh and Sarah Rowe, who were previously announced as spearheads for the Ireland team.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of AFLW, Alison Zell, congratulated O’Dowd on the achievement.
“This is a just reward for Eilish’s impact since picking up the game only two years ago,” Zell said.
“Eilish’s quick development has seen her become one of our most consistent and impactful players, so to see her gain this opportunity and be recognised as one of the best Irishwomen in the game is a great accolade.”
