O'Dowd's glad to be back for second helping

DUBLIN'S lucky charm Eilish O'Dowd felt she was "missing out" after parking her inter-county career in 2024.

- BY PAT NOLAN

The former Leitrim player, a longtime Dublin resident, was called up by her adopted county ahead of the 2023 season after impressing for Na Fianna.

She slotted in at midfield as they went all the way, beating Kerry in the All-Ireland final for their first Brendan Martin Cup success since their four-in-a-row run from 2017-20.

But her head was turned by the AFLW last year and she signed for the GWA Giants.

O'Dowd (inset) made an impression in Australia, kicking the fastest goal in the competition's history 15 seconds into her debut against the Western Bulldogs.