*Siofra Ni Chonaill, left, and Aisling Reidy of Clare celebrate their side’s victory after the TG4 LGFA All-Ireland Intermediate Championship semi-final match between Antrim and Clare at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile
DOORA/BAREFIELD duo Aisling Reidy and Siofra Ní Chonaill are making the move to Australia after signing for AFLW side Carlton.
Both Aisling and Siofra have been two of Clare’s standout players in the past two seasons as the county reached the All-Ireland intermediate final in 2023 and claimed National League honours this season in what was Wayne Freeman’s final campaign as manager.
At club level, the pair were also to the fore for St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield as they reached a first-ever senior championship final where they lost to Kilmurry Ibrickane, they also came up short in the league decider against the same opposition when it took sudden death in a free-taking competition to decide the winners.
They caught the eye of Carlton’s recruiters who then travelled to Ireland conducting multiple skills sessions and interviews.
After their new deal, Aisling and Siofra will join Carlton’s four other AFL and AFLW Irish players in calling IKON Park home.
Twenty two year old Aisling had excelled at midfield for club and county. Away from the field, she has a love for numbers, majoring in risk and insurance and minoring in finance, also working as a lifeguard. Siofra’s height and strength have seen her slot seamlessly into central roles of the Clare defence, she also has graduated from UL but as a mental health nurse.
Head of AFLW Ash Naulty said Carlton was excited to welcome the Clare duo. “Síofra and Aisling have been impressive over their Gaelic season, and we think they will fit into the elite nature of our Club. Both work incredibly hard at their games. Síofra is a fierce defender and an agile athlete. Her ability to be competitive in the air and at ground level, combined with her strength, acceleration and defensive awareness, is going to be a dangerous addition to our side.
“Aisling is a composed athlete and performs well in big moments. Her versatility on field and her ability to transition the ball from defence to attack and contribute to scoring opportunities we see transferring to many exciting moments for our club”.
Their departure next year will come as a big blow to new Clare manager Graham Shine and of course St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield.
