BREAKING NEWS

The Irish Independent are this afternoon reporting that former Meath underage star Cian McBride has been released by Australian Football League outfit the Essendon Bombers. St Ultan’s clubman McBride was part of a Royal County ensemble which won the Leinster MFC in 2018.

The towering midfielder was allowed train with the Meath senior panel some years ago during Andy McEntee’s tenure but hopes of a return to the Royal County colours at that stage were scotched when the player signed a contract extension with his erstwhile AFL employers.

However, while his release by the Bombers will of course be a disappointment to the player, one would expect – and hope – the Meath camp to move quickly with their overtures to try and coax the big man homeward bound. A move which would also be a massive fillip for the Bohermeen/Martry club as they battle to retain their status in the Junior A Football Championship.

It can only be assumed that the fact that his former school Principal is now in control of the county’s destiny won’t do the chances of a comeback any harm either. That said, cognisance of similar feelings abounding a few years back will dissuade inclinations to get overly excited just yet. The best advice is probably to watch this space…