Carolina Panthers opt against signing Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan

Beggan had spent a number of days as a trialist as Mark Jackson continues to work with the Pitssburgh Steelers

Rory Beggan in the NFL combine. Photograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today/Inpho
Rory Beggan in the NFL combine. Photograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today/Inpho

The Carolina Panthers have opted against signing Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan after he spent a number of days trialing as a kicker at their facility.

On Friday, it emerged that Beggan would train with the NFC South franchise as he continues to earn an NFL contract. However, after attempting a number of field goals on Saturday and speaking to local media, Beggan was not offered a contract.

The Scotstown goalkeeper was one of four Irish athletes who trialled at the NFL combine at the end of February as part of the NFL’s international player pathway programme. Down and Mayobridge goalkeeper Charlie Smyth signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, while Wicklow’s Mark Jackson is currently trialling with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Beggan had previously played for Monaghan in the Ulster championship after returning from the combine. After going unsigned by the Panthers, it remains to be seen if he will be available for the All-Ireland championship clash with Kerry on May 18th.

Nathan Johns

Nathan Johns

Nathan Johns is an Irish Times journalist