Meath defender Mary-Kate Lynch has joined Sydney Swans for the 2026 AFLW season.

The 24-year-old was selected as an All-Star last year after having helped the Royals reach the All-Ireland SFC final where they were defeated by Dublin.

The Summerhill woman played at full-back during her county’s breakthrough All-Ireland SFC win and was in the same position again the following year when they retained the coveted Brendan Martin Cup.

Lynch’s move Down Under sees her become the fourth Irish player to join the Swans’ AFLW squad, with Julie O’Sullivan, Tanya Kennedy and Paris McCarthy already having made moves to the Sydney club,

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mary-Kate to Sydney and the club,” said Sydney Swans Executive general manager Kate Mahony.

“We think the skills she’s developed playing Gaelic football will translate well to AFLW, and we’re excited to bring someone with her speed and defensive attributes into our squad.”

Welcome to the harbour city, Mary-Kate 👏

Another Irish export has entered the squad, hailing from Summerhill where she plays Gaelic football for Meath.

READ MORE: https://t.co/BOnOQXdGSF pic.twitter.com/ImiWo4SIb7

— Sydney Swans AFLW (@SydneySwansAFLW) February 18, 2026

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