Young Gaelic Footballer Cillian Bourke is set to sign with Essendon as a Category B Rookie.
As first reported by the Irish Independent, the Bombers are set to sign the emerging 190cm talent who can kick on both sides of his body and has size, athleticism and speed.
He hails from County Offaly, where he was in 2025 named Under-20 player of the year, and will become the first player from that county to sign an AFL contract.
“The players, supporters and club executive would like to wish Cillian Bourke the very best of luck as he heads off tomorrow to begin his next chapter in Australia with the Essendon Bombers in the AFL,” a statement from his home club Tullamore GAA read overnight.
“We are immensely proud of everything he has achieved so far, both on and off the field.
“An outstanding talent and a credit to his club, family and community.
“Enjoy every minute of the experience, Cillian – opportunities like this are earned, not given, and you’ve more than earned yours.
“We look forward to seeing you again in the not to distant future back in the blue guernsey.
“Up the Bombers.”
Bourke is three years younger than Cillian Burke, an Irishman currently listed at Geelong.
Essendon had great success with Irish running defender Connor McKenna playing 79 games in the sash from 2015-2020.