Tadhg and I first crossed paths in a VFL game at Windy Hill in Essendon. I was playing for Essendon reserves and Tadhg was playing for Port Melbourne (then the Swans reserves) and it must have been close to 10 years ago.

Pre-game I was given the “prestigious” instructions to fill the hole in front of Tony Lockett, who was having a game with Port Melbourne as part of his comeback to the Swans senior team from retirement.

On hearing these instructions from the coach just before we ran out it crossed my mind that I should consider quickly writing a will to determine which of my siblings would get ownership of my Mazda 626.

Somehow I got through it unscathed and was relieved of these “hole-filling” duties half way through the third quarter.

I could have kissed the runner when he came out and told me to go forward. I made my way into the forward line with a big smile on my face knowing that I’d just dodged a bullet.

I stood at full forward and was manned up by Tadhg. I didn’t know too much about Tadhg apart from the fact that he was Irish, lacked muscle to most of his body, and that even though he had played senior football, he was still learning the game.

I was on a high after surviving the first half, and with all the adrenalin and relief going through my body, somehow I was convinced I’d teach Kennelly a lesson and kick a bag of goals on him in the remainder of the game.

Things didn’t go to plan, and for the rest of the game it was Kennelly who gave me a lesson as he ran me ragged around Windy Hill. Even though he was a defender and I was the forward, it got to the stage where I was following him around and trying not to let him get it.

I walked off the ground with a real respect for Tadhg as a player that day.

However, it’s been as a team-mate that I’ve got to know the real Tadhg. He’s been a real leader of the club who has a real passion and intensity for whatever he does. Whether it be playing, training, or singing songs in Irish pubs, he gives it his all.

It’s funny how whenever he says the number 33 it sounds like he’s talking about a “dirty tree”.
Fellow Irishman Chris McKaigue is at a loss as to what will happen to ‘Irish Corner’ on Swans TV (McKaigue claims he wants a spin off show called “McKaigue’s Madness” but that got shot down in two seconds). After two years of doing ‘Irish Corner’ they continue to argue over who is the host, and who is the assistant.

The story of Tadhg coming to Australia is an incredible story. I wouldn’t be a mate if I didn’t pump up his book, Unfinished Business … so next time you’re at a bookshop go and have a look in the bargain bin and fish it out! Last I heard it was 2 for $1.

Here’s hoping Tadhg’s football career has got plenty left ahead of it this year, with his famous run and dash off the half back flank.

But there’s no doubt when he’s gone, Tadhg will leave a hole as big as the one in front of Plugger.

Ted Richards
@richards_report