TADHG KENNELLY last night uttered the words Kerry supporters were hoping for – that he would be staying in Ireland next season to continue playing with the Kerry footballers.
There is, however, still a question mark as to whether team-mate Tommy Walsh will also remain with the All-Ireland champions, or if the star forward will opt for a professional sporting life in the Australian Football League.
The possible exodus of both players appeared to be the main worry facing Kerry manager Jack O’Connor ahead of the 2010 season, but that job was cut in half last night with Kennelly announcing his decision to stay.
“I am committing (to Kerry),” Kennelly said. “I’ve had a great time at Sydney. I haven’t really thought about it at the moment, but I will sit down and have a good think about it.
“My head is truly, truly set on Kerry. And my heart. That’s probably the main thing that has come out here.”
Some men can stall the advance of age – such as Darragh Ó Sé this season – just long enough to stay the pace. Ó Sé has all but retired just two All-Ireland medals shy of his uncle Páidí’s remarkable eight.
“Darragh will make up his own mind about that,” stated O’Connor, but more pressing matters will cloud his mind as Darragh winters well.
O’Connor confirmed his management team will return next year. “You’re mad to retire me, lads. I’m a bit impulsive. I’m a man of my word. I took the job for two years so I’ll stay for two anyway.”
Ó Sé aside, the current Kerry squad are expected to keep playing, but Walsh’s natural ability, combined with an intimidating physicality, has long been coveted by St Kilda’s.
On Walsh, O’Connor was silent, but he remembered 2002 when they almost sneaked Kennelly into Páidí Ó Sé’s All-Ireland final panel after selecting him for the under-21 semi-final against Galway. But injury scuppered that plan.
Some 15 of his colleagues from the Swans were at Croke Park on Sunday, including head coach Paul Roos, to witness their friend finally realise his dream.
“He came back here and it’s something he’s wanted to do for a long time,” said Roos of the 28-year-old. “To come back and do it in his first year. . . he fought hard to get his place in the team.
“He had a couple of injuries early in the year, but has played well in the last month. He’s been terrific and I’m so pleased for him.
“I thought he was very good. He played two roles. He played an attacking role and he played a defensive role on (Graham) Canty. It looked like Canty didn’t really know what to do, whether to leave Tadhg or stay with him.
“He’s a very smart player. I didn’t know too much about the teams, but I did know that Canty was one of Cork’s most important players and it looked like he wasn’t a factor at all and Tadhg did a terrific job on him.”
Thankfully, finances were not a motivation in Kennelly’s decision to return to Ireland, and O’Connor knows the passion to pull on the Kerry jersey has proved crucial in stopping Kennelly leaving again.
“He sacrificed a lot to come back and do what he did. I’m sure he feels it’s all worth it now, because money can’t buy that scene out there in Croke Park yesterday, in the sea of green and gold. Money can’t buy that stuff.”
Kerry will be delighted such a natural leader is staying home.
