Punter convert accepts CFL draft offer

GAA star 'excited and prepared for the next chapter'.

A former GAA player turned American football punter says he is "excited and prepared for the next chapter" after accepting an offer of a place in the upcoming Canadian Football League draft.

Ramor United clubman and former Cavan minor footballer Ronan Patterson last year took up the chance of a lifetime when offered a Special Teams place with the prestigious Monmouth University in New Jersey, a Division 1 American College Football League programme.

He joined Connaught Rugby's Tadgh Leader's cohort in making the transition, and now is preparing himself to take the next step in what could be an exciting sporting career for Ronan across the Atlantic.

He made the CFL Global Draft announcement in a statement shared on social media, where Ronan said: "First and foremost I want to thank God for blessing me with health, favor, and opportunity.

"To my family and my friends, thank you for laying the foundation on which I stand. Through all the uncertainties one thing was always certain, our love for one another. Thank you for always believing and supporting me.

"To my coaches, support staff and teammates who I call my brothers, thank you. You have helped me grow on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

"With that being said. I am declaring for the 2024 CFL Global Draft."

Since the former stand-out rugby player with Virginia Rugby Club and Ulster underage squads moved to America, so too have several other high profile GAA players- most recently Monaghan’s Rory Beggan and Wicklow’s Mark Jackson. They were among four Irish athletes who travelled to attend a training camp in America in a bid to earn an opportunity to play in the National Football League (NFL). The others include Charlie Smyth of Down and former Ireland Under-20s fullback Darragh Leader.

Much like the NFL draft, the CFL Global Draft is a selection of non-Canadian and non-American players by Canadian Football League (CFL) teams.

READ MORE: https://www.anglocelt.ie/2023/05/30/pattersons-american-dream-coming-true/