Laois Today: Young Laois man selected on Irish Senior AFL squad to head Down Under

20-year-old Don Sinnott from Shanahoe has been selected for the Irish Senior Aussie Rules set to represent Ireland in Australia next July.

Don is a student of Environmental Science in UCC.

Throughout his first year, he played Gaelic football and Aussie Rules and was selected to play for the University AFL Irish team.

Now in second year, he concentrates solely on AFL where he is a member of the UCC 1 team, playing as a back, which travelled to Oxford in early February to compete in the Fitzpatrick Cup.

Having successfully overcome Oxford, Cambridge and Cardiff, UCC went on to defeat Birmingham in a gruelling, tough final despite the gale force winds and heavy rain of Storm Ciara.

It was a terrific achievement for Don especially as he had to take a seven week break in the autumn following severe concussion.

Thanks to the combined care and support of management, on-campus medical doctor, Cork University Hospital and physiotherapy, he made a full recovery and returned to playing AFL in November.

Don began playing football with his local GAA club, Shanahoe, at U-6 level, with his father, Tony, as his first trainer.

He continued to play with the parish combined team, Colt, (comprised of Colt and Shanahoe), at all juvenile levels.

Colt have currently progressed to field an adult Football team but, to play back then at Minor level, Don transferred to Ballyroan-Abbey.

Don fondly remembers the years of enjoyment when involved with Cumann na mBunscol throughout his senior years in Shanahoe NS under the management of principals David Brockley and Richie Connor.

He would like to thank everyone who has encouraged and supported him throughout the years.