Donegal dealt major blow as Roarty signs for Collingwood

Donegal's Finbarr Roarty with Meath's Ciaran Caulfield ©INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon

Donegal have suffered a major setback with star defender Finnbarr Roarty signing a two-year rookie deal with AFL side Collingwood.

The 20-year-old, who was named Young Footballer of the Year in 2025, is set to move to Australia at the end of October.

Roarty played a key role in Donegal’s run to the All-Ireland final and their Ulster title success last year.

Before leaving, he will aim to help Naomh Conaill to Donegal senior football championship success against St Eunan’s this Sunday.

His departure is a significant loss for Jim McGuinness, as more of Ireland’s top Gaelic footballers make the move to Australian Rules.