Mark O’Connor gets Geelong green light to feature for Dingle in All-Ireland final

Mark O’Connor has been given the green light from AFL club Geelong to remain in Ireland for Dingle’s All-Ireland Senior Club Football final against St Brigid’s.

O’Connor had been due to return to Australia for the AFL preseason having been released during the off-season, allowing him to play vital role in Dingle’s county and provincial triumphs.

The 28-year-old returned to training with Geelong in mid-December, prompting beliefs he would not feature for the Kerry champions in their All-Ireland semi-final clash against Ballyboden St Enda’s last Saturday.

However, O’Connor made a quick return to Ireland over the Christmas period and lined out in midfield for Dingle’s epic extra-time victory over the Dublin club.

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Geelong has granted premiership defender Mark O’Connor another two weeks in Ireland to play in his hometown Dingle’s quest for a maiden All-Ireland Club Championship on January 18.
He’ll then return to AFL pre-season @7NewsMelbourne @7AFL
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) January 7, 2026

Following the weekend’s win, there was again speculation over whether O’Connor would be forced to return to Geelong ahead of the new AFL season, which begins in March, but local media has confirmed the Cats have cleared O’Connor to stay in Ireland for the All-Ireland decider.

7News Melbourne reported Geelong have permitted the midfielder to remain home for a further fortnight, after which he will return to Australia for preseason.

Dingle will be vying for a first All-Ireland club title when they take on Roscommon’s St Brigid’s on Sunday, January 18th (throw-in 3.40pm) at Croke Park, where Ballygunner and Loughrea will get the day’s action under way in the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling final (throw-in 1.30pm).