Mayo legend Cora Staunton spoke of Oisín Mullin’s AFL U-turn on OTB AM this morning, explaining that it is “big news” at home in Ireland but also in Australian media too.
James Horan’s side hit the jackpot late yesterday evening when Oisín Mullin opted out of an AFL move in favour of staying put with Mayo.
Mayo legend Cora Staunton says it is a “huge boost” to their All-Ireland aspirations this summer.
Retaining the two-time Young Footballer of The Year is a big boost for Horan's side as this season gets underway. However, Staunton noted that Mullins is is also “ready-made” for Aussie Rules.
Having moved away from Aidan O’Shea as captain when a new leadership pairing was announced earlier this month, Staunton questions whether Horan’s selections contributed to “the draw” for Mullin to remain with the Maritime County.
Staunton joined Ger and Eoin on Monday's OTB AM to discuss the Mullin news, as well as give an update on her own AFLW season so far with GWS Giants.
“It’s very interesting move even if you look at Stephen Coen going as the Mayo captain and Tommy Conroy going as vice-captain," Staunton said. "Was that a shrewd move by James Horan?”
“Conroy and Oisín Mullin are the best of friends and have played football growing up together."
"They’ve come up from all the underage academies in Mayo, they played school football there together in Ballinrobe and won an All-Ireland B title there, so there’s all of that.”
“Maybe Oisín had looked at that and went ‘I’ll give it one last hurrah’ or who knows,” Staunton added.
“Certainly, from a Mayo fan’s point of view it’s great that we have him for next season.”
Staunton: "Geelong won’t give up on getting him”
Adamant it may not be the end of the saga in the long term, four-time All-Ireland winner Staunton is assured that the opportunity will come knocking once more and that “Geelong [Cats] won’t give up on him.”
“I’m sure it was a difficult decision to turn down. But is it just for this year or is it for the future? He’s probably still young enough,” said Staunton.
The transfer Down Under is paying off in her case. Staunton’s GWS Giants career in the AFLW has blossomed into one for the ages since her start in 2018.
In this year’s opening round she made history as oldest ever player in the league at 40 years old, playing alongside debutant, Cork stalwart and friend Bríd Stack who was returning from a horrific neck injury and “turbulent 12 months” recovery.
Four goals in two games thus far in 2022, she shows no sign of halting just yet, feeling “really fit” and optimistic for their next clash versus Melbourne at the weekend.
Written by Alanna Cunnane
Mayo handed boost as Mullin opts to stay at home
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