Ellie Brady signs for Collingwood

Ladies football

One of Cavan ladies football’s brightest prospects, Ellie Brady, has signed for AFLW giants Collingwood.

The 19-year-old, who won a Curran Cup medal with Maynooth University last Thursday with an outstanding win over ATU Donegal, will link up with the Magpies in May after they added the Ballyhaise teenager to their AFLW list on a two-year rookie deal that will keep her in Melbourne until the end of 2027.

Brady, daughter of James and Sinéad and a niece of former county board PRO Susan Brady, has risen quickly through the ranks. She captained the county minor team to an A All-Ireland title and won a Division 3 National League medal and an Ulster Intermediate medal earlier this year.

Interestingly, Brady played alongside former Collingwood player Aishling Sheridan (Mullahoran) with the Cavan seniors this year. While her absence will be a huge blow to club and county, it is a massive opportunity for the talented youngster, whose athleticism and charisma should see her go a long way in the professional game.

Collingwood’s Executive General Manager of Women’s Football, Jess Burger, said the club were thrilled to bring Brady in, describing her as a rising talent with speed, competitive edge and a clear appetite for elite sport. Burger highlighted her strong Gaelic football pedigree and the leadership qualities she already shows, and said the Pies are eager to help her transfer those strengths to the AFLW game.

Brady earned rave reviews for her performances for Maynooth University ladies this season.

“Ellie has come in as a first year and been super. She's a brilliant fielder of the ball, an excellent player going forward and defending, she's really been great for us in the middle of the pitch,” Maynooth manager Louise Keane said.