The band of Irish AFL players has dwindled once again as Conor Glass is to leave Hawthorn.
The Derryman, who turns 23 shortly, joined the club in 2015 as an international B category rookie having captained his county to the Ulster minor title that year and played 21 AFL games in all.
However, he made just four appearances this term and, with his contract due to expire next month, his return had been anticipated, though the Hawks’ chief of football Graham Wright hinted at homesickness.
He said: “Conor has spent four and a half years at Hawthorn and has been totally committed to his AFL career the whole way through.
“While he will be missed around the club, the pull home has always been there for Conor and we fully support his decision.
“We thank both Conor and his family for his service to our club, he will always be a part of the Hawthorn family.
“We wish Conor all the best in his future endeavours."
Glass becomes the third Irishman in recent weeks to sever ties with an AFL club after Pearce Hanley retired from the Gold Coast Suns while Conor McKenna quit Essendon.
He is set to return to his native Maghera and resume his studies at third level, while Derry boss Rory Gallagher will likely be in touch.
Whether he can slot straight into Gallagher’s panel at this stage of the year with inter-county action resuming in a matter of weeks remains to be seen but, certainly on a long-term basis, his return home is a significant boost for his club Glen and Derry football.
