Michael Quinn Biography

Former Essendon import Michael Quinn is set to make his Virgin Australia International Rules Series debut against Australia - before playing in a crucial Gaelic football semi-final just 19 hours later.

The 25-year-old, who spent three years at Essendon before returning to Ireland, is hoping for "a weekend to remember" in what shapes as the busiest 24 hours of his sporting career.

"It's a difficult challenge," Quinn told the Irish Examiner.

"It's about putting things in place so I can give the best for both.

"I think I can give it my all on both days.

"I'd prefer to have it this way than to have to make a decision and having regrets down the line.

"I'll deal with whatever happens on the Saturday and Sunday and hopefully it will be a good weekend."

Essendon has delisted Irishman Michael Quinn, who played eight games for the Bombers.

"It was a tough decision to make but he is still very young. Michael has been a great personality around the club so it is sad to see him leave," Essendon football operations manager Paul Hamilton said.

"He played two senior games, won a VFL best and fairest and for a guy that had never really played the game before he arrived at Windy Hill, he has really come a long way."

Michael Quinn's debut for Essendon started as a circus act but quickly became another amazing Irish success story.

Those in the know at Essendon say Quinn may be headed for the type of stellar career Sydney's Tadhg Kennelly enjoyed.

Melbourne president Jim Stynes says the performance of first-year Irish player Michael Quinn was amazing.

"It's pretty phenomenal," the Melbourne president said on Monday.

"The game has changed a lot in the last 10 years and it [really suits Irish] players who can kick short and kick well and maintain possession â€" that's where the game has gone."

Essendon's Irish recruit Michael Quinn is poised to cap his remarkable rise with an AFL debut against Fremantle - five weeks after his first game.