Mayobridge hit by emigration

Mayobridge’s Keith Quinn has left the country

THE astonishing rise in emigration has not escaped Down with the transfers out of the county in the last six months just edging past the 100 mark.

Since February, 104 players have now transferred away from their clubs with 103 of those going overseas.

A total of 30 clubs have seen members leave these shores with the majority making the short trip to London while others have went to lesser known GAA locations like Houston, Pennsylvania and Holland.

New York, San Francisco and Boston have also proven popular with Mourne Gaels while 31 players have made the long journey to Australia.

It’s a worrying trend that is affecting every county in Ireland as the prospect of work overseas proves too strong to turn down for many of those who have joined new clubs.

In April, the number of players in Ireland who had transferred to English clubs had risen over the 500 mark and the figure continues to rise.

That was the same month new GAA president Liam O’Neill took office and promised to tackle the issue, but he has a tough task on his hands.

One club that has felt the pinch more than most is Mayobridge with five of their rising stars transferring to America, all five remain in San Francisco.

Ryan Brady and Keith Quinn, who both featured for Down this year, left alongside defenders Shane McNamee and Kevin McClorey and forward Conleth O’Hare.

The full story is in the current issue of Gaelic Life, published on Thursday August 2. Buy your copy now in your local newsagent, or you can purchase the online version – for only 90p – by clicking here