Eilish O'Dowd relishing new challenge in Oz with GWS Giants

Not content with breaking new ground last year when she won an All Ireland Senior title with Dublin, Ballinamore's Eilish O'Dowd starts an exciting new chapter on the far side of the world after it was announced that she has joined the GWS (Great Western Sydney) Giants in the AFLW on a two year deal.

Eilish joins fellow Leitrim native Aine Tighe as the second Green & Gold player to join the Irish exodus to the AFLW with a record 34 Irish players confirmed for the coming season and the All-Star nominee has already made a big impact, equalling the Giants club record for the 1.6km time trial in her first few days with the club!

Giants Executive General Manager - Football Strategy and Operations, Briana Harvey said “She has some very strong physical attributes that we think we can translate really well to AFLW and we’re excited by her versatility and her ability to play a variety of roles. Eilish’s aerobic capacity is at an elite level and seeing her tie the record for the ‘GIANT Mile’ was awesome to see and we’re excited about what she can bring to the group.”

Despite a deluge of  messages, Eilish generously took the time to answer a few questions from the Observer as she starts out on another new sporting adventure!

What has the reaction been like from friends, family and the wider community to the news you were joining the Giants?

Absolutely, the reaction has been very positive. Many friends have reached out to congratulate me on my AFLW offer. My family are very proud of me, they’ve seen how hard I’ve worked over the last few years and were delighted for me when the Giants made the offer.

LEITRIM'S EILISH O'DOWD OFFICIALLY SIGNS WITH GWS GIANTS IN AFLW

How long do you intend to stay with the Giants? 

I’ve signed a two-year contract with the Giants. At the moment, I’m just focusing on taking things day by day. I have a big learning curve ahead of me which is exciting.

When did the idea of playing AFLW first come up  and what attracts you to the sport?

Mike Currane, an agent for the AFLW, made contact with me early last year to see if I had an interest in the sport. At the time, I was still finding my feet after joining the Dublin ladies.  From then I started to think more about the possibility of playing in Australia down the line. Over the years I’ve watched how some Irish footballers like Cora Staunton and Bríd Stack have transitioned seamlessly into the AFLW and I was inspired by the idea of playing professionally. I love to be challenged and I feel learning the new sport will certainly push me out of my comfort zone.  

Aine Tighe is a Leitrim connection in the AFLW - did you have any contact with her when you were weighing up switching codes and what advice does she have for you?

Yes, Aine reached out to me and has made me feel very welcome on my new journey in Australia.  It’s reassuring and inspiring to see how Aine has excelled in playing AFLW. I feel very grateful to have Aine and the rest of the Irish community involved in AFLW that have offered their support.  

Eilish O'Dowd pictured in GWS Giants playing kit

Aine recommended that I bring my own personal style of play to the game which will be unique to the Giants. Lots of the Irish players including Aine have reassured me that it takes time to adjust to the new rules and sport and to just enjoy the whole experience.  

What has it been like adapting to the oval ball -  it must be a challenge to get used to it?

It is definitely challenging to get comfortable using the sherrin. I am very grateful that the Giants coaching team have prioritised working with me on my skills and have scheduled extra training sessions to help me adjust to the new sport. 

Giants Media reported that you equalled the club record time for the 1.6km run! Have they given you a position that you will play?

It was definitely a shock to equal the club record time trial. It has given me the motivation to try and beat the record in the coming weeks. Growing up I always took part in athletics in Ballinamore which has stood to me while playing Gaelic football and now AFLW. I hope to use my athleticism and fitness to enhance the Giants style of play.  

The management are looking to put me in defence and see how I get on. I think this is a good starting position because it is the best place to read the game which will help me as I start my first season.  

Was it a difficult decision to leave playing with Dublin after such an incredible year last year? Did you envisage yourself coming back to play with Dublin or back here in Leitrim?

Honestly, it was one of the hardest decisions to make, especially just after winning the All-Ireland with Dublin. We were unlucky to miss out on a county title with Na Fianna last year too. I changed my mind several times throughout the winter months as to what I should do for 2024. After our season ended, I took some time to go travelling in Asia and when the offer came through from the Giants, I felt it was a massive opportunity to turn down. It was certainly a difficult decision to make but I am embracing my new journey here in Australia.  

BALLINAMORE'S EILISH O'DOWD IS LEITRIM SPORTS STAR FOR 2023

I hope to return to Gaelic football at some point in the near future. The memories from last year playing with Dublin are very special to me. When you get a taste of that success, you just want more. I also have incredible memories playing with Ballinamore SOH and Leitrim. It would be amazing to get the opportunity to be back playing with my sisters and team-mates in Leitrim at some point. Who knows what the future holds?  

How are you adapting to Sydney? I imagine it is a little bit warmer than back here?

Sydney is beautiful and the lifestyle is great. The Aussies start their day a lot earlier than us, normally consisting of a sunrise swim or a coffee at the beach. It can get very warm during the Summer months which makes it difficult to train. I arrived in Bondi in January so I’m still settling in. My GWS team-mates have been fantastic and have made my transition into the country very smooth.

Have you set any targets for yourself?

I’m hoping to develop a better understanding of the game as quickly as I can. Physicality is a massive element of the game, therefore I want to work on my strength and progress with the gym based/contact skills. Similar to the high turnover of players with the Dublin team last year, the Giants have signed eight new players into the team for the coming season. With such a new team, hopefully us new players can bring a fresh energy and add more of a competitive element into the group. I’m hoping I can use my experience from playing Gaelic football to raise the standards and become a leader for the younger girls on the team. 

Have you met many Leitrim people out in Sydney?

Sydney is full of young Irish people. You rarely leave the house without spotting someone in GAA gear. There is also a massive Leitrim community in Sydney. Since moving over, I can see how the Irish look out for one another. Having so many familiar faces in the area helps with being far away from home.