Lally lands in Australia

It has been quite the few days for Clann na nGael's Orlagh Lally.

On Sunday she was inspirational in Meath's retention of the Brendan Martin Cup followin the All-Ireland SFc victory over Kerry. On Monday she celebrated her 21st birthday in style in front of a few thousand supporters at the homecoming on the Fair Green in Navan and late last night she touched down in Australia to begin her career in AFL W with the Fremantle Dockers.

Lally timed her arrival in Australia perfectly, landing in Perth on Thursday night and heading straight to the Dockers club to meet her new teammates after training.

On arrival she was greeted by Fremantle captain Hayley Miller with a bouquet of flowers.

“It’s been pretty busy, we obviously won the All Ireland back at home and we had a big celebration and I had my 21st thrown into the mix and then jetting off here. It’s been really exciting and a really good time,” Lally said.

“It was amazing, just coming off the plane and having Hayley and Darryn (AFLW Football Operations Manager) and Claire (AFLW Player Development Manager), it’s great to put a face to a name. Everyone has been so welcoming.

“I’m really looking forward to starting training, and getting to mix and bond with the girls from now on in.”

Lally will be joined in Australia by Meath teammate Vikki Wall, who will play for North Melbourne, later today.

“Vikki is on my team at home and she’s heading to North Melbourne. We’ve been really lucky to have each other to know what to bring, what to expect and to be able to help each other and practice,” Lally said.

“Everyone at Meath has been amazing, it’s been hard saying goodbye to your teammates, we’re so close to each other and it’s hard to be leaving everyone when we’re on such a high, but they’ve been so supportive the whole way.”

Everyone at the Meath Chronicle wishes Orlagh the best of luck in her new adventure.