Nixon holds AFL recruitment camp

AFL agent Ricky Nixon hosted the latest AFL recruitment camp at Gormanston College today with players from across the country in attendance.

Derry’s James Kielt, Roscommon’s Donal Shine, Brian Sheridan of Meath, Donegal’s Michael Murphy and Kieran Hughes of Monaghan were among those present for the trials.

Kielt made his Championship debut for Derry last year and is currently studying dentistry in Queens University Belfast.

He spent a fortnight in Australia in November 2008 on trial at two AFL clubs in Melbourne.

Nixon has previously stated that the Kilrea clubman is high on his list.

“James Kielt is in the top three players I would love to get to Australia, James is the most knowledgeable kid in Ireland in AFL football.”

Donal Shine was part of the Roscommon All-Ireland Minor winning team of 2006 and claimed Sigerson Cup honours with DCU last weekend – a game which Nixon attended in Leixlip.

Brian Sheridan took the Man of the Match accolade in that final, impressing with 1-5 including the only goal of the game as DCU claimed a four-point win over UCC.

Donegal’s Michael Murphy didn’t feature in DCU’s Sigerson assault due to the ineligibility of freshers, but Murphy is high on Nixon’s wishlist and the ‘Young footballer of the Year’ was in attendance at today’s trial.

Monaghan’s Kieran Hughes also has Sigerson experience with UUJ under his belt, and has featured for the Monaghan Seniors during their National League campaign this year.

Other counties which had players represented included Dublin, Tyrone, Cavan and Galway.

It’s the third time Nixon has held an organised camp in Ireland, and the first at Gormanston College.

Last year AFL triallists took part in a camp in Blanchardstown, while in 2008 the Breffy House Hotel in Mayo was the venue for trials.