Tipperary duo Aishling Moloney and Anna Rose Kennedy off to Oz to join Geelong

Their move edges the number of Irish recruits to the Australian womens' game closer to 30 for 2023, the highest ever.

It comes after GWS Giants confirmed the departure of Cora Staunton, the pioneering Irish recruit to AFLW.

The pair will join Mayo's Rachel Kearns at Geelong, bringing to six the number of recruits at the club with Zac Tuohy, Mark O'Connor and Oisin Mullin playing for the AFL Premiership champions.

Moloney is one of ladies football's best players and has been earmarked for a move for some time.

In a statement Geelong said she will be another asset for their attacking half. Kennedy, who captained DCU to the O'Connor Cup a few weeks ago, is being earmarked as a running defender or outside player.

Geelong Cats Head of AFLW and Football Pathways Brett Johnson said the club was excited to add the duo to its AFLW list.

“Aishling and Anna Rose are very talented Gaelic footballers, and we’re thrilled that they’ve chosen Geelong as their new home away from home,” Johnson said.

“Aishling is well credentialled in the GAA, and we believe she will adapt well as a mobile tall forward in the AFLW.

“Anna Rose is an exciting young prospect who brings plenty of pace, and we see her slotting in either with our defence or as another option on the wing.

“Both Aishling and Anna Rose are fantastic people and athletes, and we’re looking forward to them joining our AFLW program for the season ahead.”

It is expected that both players will still be available to Tipperary for the championship.