IRISH Bomber Conor McKenna is prepared for the "consequences" of playing in a Gaelic football game without Essendon's permission but has no regrets about his decision.

AFL.com.au reported almost a fortnight ago that the 23-year-old scored a second-half goal for his local club side, Eglish, in a relegation playoff game against Edendork.

McKenna was the third Irish AFL footballer in as many years, behind Hawthorn's Conor Nash and Geelong's Mark O'Connor, to secretly make a Gaelic appearance, only for their clubs to find out. 

TO PLAY OR NOT TO PLAY? No easy answer to Gaelic footy dilemma

Bombers coach John Worsfold has already publicly declared his disappointment, pointing out the obvious risk of injury in McKenna's circumstances.

An Essendon spokesperson told AFL.com.au the matter would be dealt with once McKenna returned to Melbourne for the start of pre-season in December.

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 "You feel like you owe (your Gaelic football club) and I do owe them everything for what they have done for me," McKenna told the Irish Independent.

You grew up playing with these people – you have cousins and brothers playing – so it's a family and community-based thing. That's my point - Conor McKenna

"I came home before and sat there and watched them and it's a very hard thing to do, so I came home and they had a relegation battle and I decided to play.

"You grew up playing with these people – you have cousins and brothers playing – so it's a family and community-based thing. That's my point to them (Essendon)…

"To play for them for 18 years and then to go home and completely shut off, it's difficult. That's why so many Irish players like Zach Tuohy, Mark O'Connor and Tadhg Kennelly went home and played. It's hard not to."

McKenna missed a game this year to return to Ireland and attend his brother Emmet's wedding, and has spoken of struggling with homesickness.

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The defensive dasher hoped the Bombers would factor his situation in when he discussed with them his off-season Gaelic appearance.

"I'll explain what the club has done for me and how I wouldn't be in this position (without) them and that I feel obligated to give something back to them," McKenna said.

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"I'm not really sure what to expect but I'll go back and whatever happens, happens."

McKenna enjoyed a career-best season for Essendon in 2019, finishing fourth in the Crichton Medal after averaging 21 disposals and five rebound 50s.

The 73-gamer is contracted at Tullamarine until the end of the 2021 season.

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