World Footy News

Collingwood will continue to gamble on Irish talent with the news that they have signed Caolan Mooney and Paul Cribben on two year international rookie deals. Like former Collingwood player Martin Clarke, Mooney hails from County Down but he will not join up with the Pies until the end of 2011 as he in still to finish school. The 17- year old had a month’s trial with the Magpies in June and impressed enough to be offer a full time deal.

Collingwood’s national recruiting manager Derek Hine recently spoke to the club’s web-site regarding Mooney. “Our team in Ireland have done a lot of work with Caolan over a 6-8 month period. I personally viewed him at the MacRory Cup semi final at Casement Park in Belfast which ironically was the same venue and same game where we first viewed Martin Clarke,” said Hine. “On the back of his MacRory semi final performance and subsequent meetings with Caolan and his family, we invited Caolan to Collingwood for a month trial. As a by-product of that trial we are really comfortable offering Caolan a two-year international contract commencing with the 2012 season.”

Ironically, having left Collingwood at the end of the 2009 season Clarke has been starring in the All-Ireland Championship for Down. They have surprised many by reaching the Semi-finals, beating perennial champions Kerry along the way.

For a 17-year-old who is still growing, Mooney appears to have undoubted talent and is noted for his speed. Hine is more than willing to gush about his potential. “Caolan’s testing for speed, agility and vertical jump places him up at the very high end in comparison to our playing group,” said Hine. “This coupled with Caolan’s ability to quickly adapt to the skill traits required for AFL which our development coaches observed and tested throughout his stay. His performance was exciting given he has never had any exposure to structured training programs before so the pure scope for improvement is enormous once he enters our system full time. He really brings a point of difference with his sheer power and speed.”

Paul Cribbin, who has previously trialled with the Pies in 2009, is from Kildare and will join the club this October commencing a two-year international contract. Cribbin has been in brilliant form for the Kildare minor team in a forward role in the All Ireland minor championship. Hine again expressed his enthusiasm for his new recruit. “We offered him a contract and we're delighted that he's indicated that he'll accept it,” said Hine. “We're really excited about him and think he's a really good prospect. He's continued to grow and develop since he's been out here.”