Higgins on Kobe McDonald's Mayo debut: let him play without shackles

Keith Higgins, manager of the county Mayo U-20 team, does not hide his enthusiasm after the senior debut of 18-year-old Kobe McDonald. The youngster, who turned 18 in December, came onto the pitch in the match against Monaghan and within 20 minutes scored 1 goal and 4 points. „"I did have a bit of a giggle alright, I was like, 'of course he had to announce himself in a special way.'"” — Keith Higgins Higgins emphasizes the player's natural attributes: strength, speed, balance, and confidence with both feet, which had already indicated exceptional talent. Gaelic football is Ireland's national sport with roots dating back to the 19th century. Inter-county competitions (All-Ireland Senior Football Championship) are events of immense cultural and social significance. The successes of county teams, such as Mayo, are followed nationwide, and young talents are accorded an almost cult-like status. The coach notes, however, that despite his natural inclination to „let Kobe play without shackles,” he also understands the caution of the senior team's head coach, Andy Moran, who is trying to limit media hype around the teenager. McDonald is the son of Mayo legend Ciarán McDonald, who, along with Higgins, played in the All-Ireland final twenty years ago. Now Higgins will coach his former teammate's son in the upcoming U-20 championship. The future of the young talent, however, lies outside Ireland. As sources confirm, after the 2026 season ends, Kobe McDonald will join the Australian AFL club, St Kilda in Melbourne. His debut for the senior Mayo team was thus not only a showcase of talent for domestic fans but also a kind of skills demonstration before his departure to the other hemisphere. For Higgins, who has observed McDonald's development in youth teams, the success was no surprise. His focus now is on utilizing the player's availability in the upcoming U-20 championship before he begins his career in Australia.