The Sydney Swans’ popular Irishman, Tadhg Kennelly, has announced he will retire at the conclusion of this season.
Tadhg told his team-mates at a meeting this morning. He said he had been contemplating his decision for several weeks and it felt right.
“I’ve had an incredible career since arriving in Australia as a teenager. I couldn’t have asked for more, but now I feel the time is right to move on to the next phase of my career. I hope to still be involved in the AFL in some capacity, whether coaching or media,’’ Kennelly said.
“I’ve been here nearly half my life and want to thank the Club for instilling such strong morals and values into not just my football life but my everyday life. Being so far away from my family in Ireland, this Club has been my second family,’’ Kennelly said.
He arrived at the Swans in 2000 as a 17-year-old rookie draft selection. The talented Gaelic footballer had left his home in Listowel in Ireland to travel halfway around the world and try his hand at a game he knew almost nothing about.
Under the tutelage of then Swans development coach George Stone, Kennelly spent countless hours handling the oval ball he described, in his usual colourful way, as being like a ‘rabbit’ that bounced away whenever you got near it.
But he developed into a wonderfully skilled ball handler and finally made his debut in 2001, saying “I can now bloody die happy.’’
Twelve years later, Kennelly will retire as a veteran of more than 190 games (194 at present), and the only Irish-born player to have won a premiership medallion.
He will forever be remembered not only for his dashing re-bound runs from half-back for the Swans, but for his joyous Irish jig on the dais after the Swans won the 2005 premiership.
Swans coach John Longmire said Kennelly had brought so much to the Swans during his 12 year association with the Club.
“Tadhg has been an absolute standout in the AFL competition as a running half-back player,’’ Longmire said.
“He was incredibly driven to succeed. People saw Tadhg’s outgoing, upbeat personality, but behind that was a steely resolve to be the very best player he could be.’’
VIDEO - SwansTV: Tadhg Kennelly Career Highlights | GALLERY - Tadhg Kennelly through the yearsLongmire recalled arriving at work at 6am one morning to find Tadhg training alone. “He hadn’t had a great game the previous weekend and he was so angry with himself and in here at 6am, determined to turn it around.
“He is a great mix - someone who can give everyone around the place a lift, but also know exactly when to knuckle down and be serious,’’ Longmire said.
Longmire believes Kennelly could have a promising career ahead as a coach. “He has a great understanding of the game. He has been in the coach’s box with us numerous times when he’s been injured, and he’d make an excellent coach.’’
At the end of 2008 Kennelly returned to Ireland to fulfil his dream of playing in an All Ireland Final for Kerry, emulating his father Tim.
He returned to Australia in 2010 and has played out the past two seasons, resuming his position on the half-back line, and just as importantly, as one of the leaders of the Bloods.
