Sydney Swans player Tadhg Kennelly has made the tough decision to end his contract with the Club to return to his homeland.

The 27 year-old made no secret of his plan to return to Ireland at the conclusion of this season but for family reasons, along with a concern his body may not allow him to fulfil a dream to play in an All-Ireland final if he didn’t go now, brought forward his return date.

The Sydney Swans support, respect and accept Tadhg’s decision to return to Ireland.

“As a Club we knew Tadhg was going to go at the end of this season and we accepted that and were respectful of Tadhg’s decision,” coach Paul Roos said.

“Based on the last two years and Tadhg’s genuine concern for his body, the injury problems he has had with his groins, shoulders and knees, it has fast-tracked that decision by six months.

“We have always known that family commitments back home and also a burning desire to play for his county Kerry and follow in the footsteps of his late father Tim Kennelly, would one day take him back.

“We are totally supportive of Tadhg’s decision. It has come six months before we thought it would but we completely understand that Tadhg wants to go back and have an impact.

“His genuine fear is that if he got injured this year, as has been the case the last couple of years, he would never fulfil his ambition that he has long had and it would genuinely haunt him for the rest of his life.”

Tadhg broke the news to his teammates on Thursday morning, saying it was one of the hardest things he has had to do, and spoke to the media later in the day.

“I want to go back home, to be with my family and to be fit enough to still play back at home,” Kennelly explains his decision.

“It has been on my mind and making this decision is on par with me coming out here in the first place… it is a risk.

“It has been a great ten years at the Sydney Swans and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in my career out here.

“I remember how excited I was to play my first game. To have achieved what I have, to have won a premiership with the best bunch of blokes, has just been amazing.

“But I am hanging up the AFL boots and going back to be with my family.”

Kennelly was considered the best junior Gaelic footballer in Ireland before being brought to the Swans in November 1999. He was elevated from the rookie list after round two in 2001 and made his debut later that season in round 14 against Carlton. He leaves the Swans a Sydney Swans Life Member and premiership player with a number of International Rules caps, 158 AFL games and 29 goals next to his name.

“Tadhg’s contribution to the Swans has been sensational and led to our Premiership win in 2005,” Roos added.

“The sacrifices he has made to play with us, leaving his family and friends, have been extraordinary.

“His competitive drive has allowed him to become a star player of the AFL and will miss him but obviously respect his decision, will continue to support him and he will always be welcome back at the Football Club.”