Tyrone in Northern Ireland is known for its sparse highlands and lush river valleys. 

But it’s the feats of one former resident that has seen the county make international headlines over the last week. 

Conor McKenna spent the first 18 years of his life in Tyrone before moving to Australia to pursue AFL. 

“He just loved sport, Conor put everything in to sport,” Conor’s father Pat said.

“He never missed anything, always put in 100% in - from that side of it he was always going to be involved in some sort of sport.” 

McKenna’s athletic ability made him a hot commodity for AFL clubs.

He chose the Bombers, but that also meant he chose a life far away from his family. 

“Oh yes very hard, especially because he is the baby and it is a far side of the world,” Conor’s mother Sheila said.

Essendon’s development coaches got to work on McKenna’s game when he arrived for pre-season. 

He got a taste of senior football in the NAB Challenge and continued to hone his craft in the VFL. 

In round eight his prospects of an AFL debut increased significantly after a four-goal performance in a curtain raiser against Geelong. 

But as the quality of his games increased, so too did his longing for home. 

So midway through the season, McKenna flew back to his family in Ireland to re-charge the batteries.

“I had been here for four or five months straight and I knew I was getting a break so I could work towards that, it was good to get home,” he said.

Upon his return, McKenna continued his good VFL form, earning a call up to the senior side for the match against Richmond.

He kicked a goal with his first possession and left with a greater understanding of the level he needs to get to.

“I suppose the difference from AFL to VFL, it’s just a lot quicker you don't have too much time to react when you get the ball,” McKenna said.

“I probably got caught out a couple of times holding the ball but I learnt from it and hopefully next week I get a chance to go again.”