NORTH Melbourne's new Irish recruit Red Óg Murphy means there will be a record number of players from the Emerald Isle on AFL lists in 2019.

Murphy's two-year deal with the Kangaroos means 14 Irishmen will be in AFL ranks next year, including a remarkable six additions that didn't play in the 2018 season.

AFL.com.au reported his impending recruitment on Friday. 

James Madden (Brisbane), Mark Keane and Anton Tohill (Collingwood), Stefan Okunbor (Geelong) and Callum Brown (GWS Giants) are the other Irish newcomers.

Murphy, who played in his Gaelic football club Curry's grand final replay loss to Shamrock Gaels on Sunday, was one of the rising stars in his county, Sligo. 

He trialled with the Roos in August, along with countryman Oisín McWilliams, and impressed with his running capacity and performance in various tests, according to North football boss Cameron Joyce.

"Red was invited to Arden Street and we were really happy with his ability and character," Joyce said.

"Our recruiters, and in particular our pro scout Nick Byrne, have stayed in touch with him and his family over the past few months and we are really happy to have signed him as a Category B rookie on our list.

"We feel that he has the right foundations to enable him to have a real crack at playing in the AFL and we will give him every chance." 

Murphy, a forward in the Gaelic game, will attempt to become the 25th Irishman to play an AFL game.

Irishmen on AFL lists *

James Madden (BL)
Mark Keane (Coll)
Anton Tohill (Coll)
Conor McKenna (Ess)
Mark O'Connor (Geel)
Stefan Okunbor (Geel)
Zach Tuohy (Geel)
Pearce Hanley (GC)
Callum Brown (GWS)
Conor Glass (Haw)
Conor Nash (Haw)
Red Óg Murphy (NM)
Darragh Joyce (StK)
Colin O'Riordan (Syd)

* More could be added for 2019