GAA: Tadhg Kennelly has called time on his career with the Sydney Swans and will return home to Kerry with a ringing endorsement from his Aussie Rules coach and team-mates after 10 successful years playing in Australia.
Kennelly believes the time is right to return to his native Kerry where he wishes to settle and spend time with family and friends but also to afford himself the chance of winning an All-Ireland medal with the Kingdom.
Kennelly’s career with the Swans spanned 158 games but injury concerns meant walking out on the final year of his contract as he bids to follow in his late father’s (Tim) and brother’s (Noel) footsteps by winning an All-Ireland with Kerry before his playing days come to an end.
Swans coach Paul Roos heaped praise on the Listowel man and paid him the ultimate compliment by comparing him to Melbourne legend and current president Jim Stynes.
“I think Jim and Tadhg are the two that stand out” said Roos. “Obviously Jim won a Brownlow Medal, which is something that’s held in high regard while Tadhg’s won a Premiership.
“Those two things are very significant, so I think you’ve got to say the two most successful Irish players have been Stynes and Kennelly.”
“There was a real concern that he wasn’t going to be able to fulfill his ambitions and make an impact (playing in Ireland),” added Roos. “We are absolutely convinced and 100 per cent supportive of his decision.
“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 has fast-tracked his 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, would one day take him back.”
Kennelly broke the news to his team-mates today and said it was a very difficult decision to make.
“I want to go back home, to be with my family and to be fit enough to still play back at home,” said the defender, who won the Premiership with the Swans in 2005.
“It has been on my mind and making this decision is on par with me coming out here (Australia) 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’s former team-mate Nic Fosdike, who was forced to retire with injury last year, said Kennelly leaves with nothing but best wishes.
“The boys have got nothing but respect for him,” he said. “I’m sure they’ll be 100 per cent supportive of his decision. The club will be disappointed that he’s leaving but at the same time they’ll be 100 per cent supportive.
“Footy is super-important but it’s Tadhg’s life as well, so it’s not just about Tadhg’s commitment to the club but his commitment to his family and his friends back in Ireland.
Kennelly is due to arrive back at Cork Airport next Tuesday.