Irish sisters face off in AFLW as parents fly thousands of miles to support

Irish sisters Niamh and Grace Kelly faced off in the AFLW as their parents flew thousands of miles from county Mayo to cheer on their daughters.

lining out for Adelaide Crows and St Kilda respectively, Niamh and Grace went toe-to-toe in an exciting encounter, with Niamh's Crows edging out a close 26-22 win in this Matchweek six encounter.

When asked by reporters before the game who they would be cheering on, parents Jack and Brída confirmed that they would be "neutral."

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"It's very tense, very tense indeed," said Brída ahead of the fourth quarter, "But I'm enjoying the game anyway."

Grace Kelly in action for St Kilda against Adelaide.
(Image: (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images))

The sisters began their AFL careers in 2019 when they were both signed as rookies by the West Coast Eagles. They stayed in Perth for three years before both leaving in 2022 when they joined their current sides.

Both have had successful careers in the AFLW, with Niamh having a breakthrough season in 2023 when her performances saw her named in the All-Australian squad.

Niamh and Grace Kelly in their time as teammates.
(Image: (Photo by Gary Day/Getty Images))

Friday was the first time that the sisters have faced off against each other having been teammates for so long.

"Mixed emotions really," said Niamh, who was her sister's direct opponent on the wing, after the game, "Obviously when we were lining up on the wing together it was really strange, but it's really special as well. Delighted for her as she had a great game, but it was really special to get the win."

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