From realfooty.com.au.
The teenager voted Ireland's best young Gaelic footballer will train with St Kilda later this month as he weighs up a possible move to the AFL.
Forward Tommy Walsh, 19, was last month named the Gaelic Athletic Association's young footballer of the year, so the news that the amateur Ireland could lose him to the AFL is expected to cause consternation in his homeland.
Player manager Ricky Nixon, who helped convince the forward to try his hand at the Australian game as part of his Irish talent-spotting program, acknowledged as much.
"It probably won't make people in Ireland too happy, but he's coming out," Nixon told Melbourne's SEN radio.
"I can't tell you if he'll want to play or stay or if he'll be good enough but he's definitely one of the best talents that I've seen."
Walsh played for Kerry in this year's All Ireland final.
Nixon described him as an athletic power forward "in the mould of a Wayne Carey type" and said he was the most exciting prospect of the large group of Irish youngsters his recruiting team had looked at.
"We pulled off a pretty big coup ... he's previously resisted every attempt to get him out here," he said.
He will come to Australia in a fortnight and train with the Saints for a week, although that does not rule out other AFL clubs recruiting him.
Nixon's program has resulted in several other Irish youngsters currently training or intending to train with AFL clubs.
Conor Meredith and Niall McKeever are currently with Richmond.
Next week, Meredith will train with North Melbourne, while McKeever will spend the week with the Saints.
Another Irishman, James Kielt, will train with both the Kangaroos and St Kilda in coming weeks, while Walsh and compatriot David Moran will try their hand with the Saints.
But Nixon said his systematic recruiting scheme was no reason for the Irish to be afraid that their youngsters would start heading to the AFL in droves.
He said the more likely outcome was that those who came to Australia would be better prepared and suited for an AFL career because they had been more thoroughly tested.
Under AFL rules, if a club reaches an agreement with an Irish player, the club can nominate them ahead of the rookie draft, guaranteeing they are able to recruit them to their rookie list.
That really is a disaster.......not only for kerry...but for the future of gaelic games
moran would probly be a starter for kerry this year and walsh would build on last years excellence
the two players have the whole package and see how they are suited to aussie rules
their skill levels for men of that size will make them a huge hit or 'coup' for any team
gutted if they go to say the least
He might just be angling for a free trip to Oz in the depths of Winter! A bit of sun, sea and sand is mighty tempting around now.
another bit from hoganstand...
Begley to trial with Collingwood
11 November 2008
Colm Begley has been handed an AFL lifeline after it was confirmed that he will train with Melbourne club Collingwood later this week.
The Laois native was recently released by the Brisbane Lions after making 29 appearances for the club, and a huge question mark has hung over his Aussie Rules future ever since. However, he is hoping that his performances for the victorious Irish International Rules team last month will stand to him in his quest to remain an AFL player.
Another Laois man, Conor Meredith, along with Antrim's Niall McKeever, Mayo's Tom Parsons and last year's Derry minor star James Kielt, will also look to impress AFL clubs in the weeks ahead after coming to the attention of recruitment agent Ricky Nixon during his summer talent trawl of Ireland.
Meredith will trial for a week each with North Melbourne and Richmond, while McKeever will trial for a week each with Richmond and St. Kilda. Both players have already arrived in Australia.
Kielt will arrive in a fortnight for trials with North Melbourne and possibly St. Kilda. It has also emerged that Parsons, a member of Ireland's International Rules squad, remained in Melbourne after the series and is due to meet Nixon shortly to discuss the possibility of an AFL career
Pressure now on the GAA to move ?
Don't mind Begley, sure he was over there anyway.
We're talking about the current gaelic football young player of the year.
This is a big deal.
Way bigger than Coney heading over and we had 345 pages about that! :P
You are the biggest spoofer, wind up merchant, ranter I ever read in my life. Something to say about everything, but nothing very positive to add to anything.
Who am I winding up? Do you not think it is a big deal that the current young player of the year may leave for Australia?I think he'd be a huge loss to Kerry and to the game in general. What do you think yourself?
Im not talking to you Jinxy - I was on at the Orangeman . Im disappointed that we are losing our best talent, but surely its great to see that young Irish fellas can do well in professional sports.
Tommy Walsh going to Australia, Setanta o Halipin a couple of years ago. "Young player of the year" will soon come with a professional AFL contract. Expect a new fun x factor style GAA show with Nixon acting Simon Cowell, Donal o as Louis Walshe, and why not Danii Minogue as herself, as the judges.
It is a big deal but no bigger than Coney or Clarke who were the star men on All Ireland Minor winning sides.
Quote from: nrico2006 on November 11, 2008, 12:55:29 PM
It is a big deal but no bigger than Coney or Clarke who were the star men on All Ireland Minor winning sides.
Well he is a bigger name than when those two left as he's already played a full season in the senior championship and is the young footballer of the year.
Tommy Walsh is a proven senior player who would only improve with time. I know Kerry are in a better position to absorb his loss than most, but if himself and Moran go they could be losing their first-choice midfield partnership for the next 10 years.
Surely the AFL is aa much better option for Tommy than living in Joe McMahon's pocket?
QuoteSurely the AFL is aa much better option for Tommy than living in Joe McMahon's pocket?
;D
Welcome to the world of professional "sport". The professionalism debate within the GAA is becoming irrelevant and is effectively being resolved by the AFL providing the professional outlet for our best players. We are now the equivalent of the AIL in rugby and the League of Ireland in soccer - a development/nursery level where those who rise to the top go on to make a living in a higher league while our domestic competitions, including the once-glorious All-Ireland Championship, now exist to provide competition for those not good enough to go pro and a shop window for rising stars en route to Australia.
The dreaded news......
Still I would not begrudge a lad the chance of making a career in sport, which of us could turn down that chance?
Losing Moran too would be a shame.
I am not surprised this news has come out a few days after the Narries were knocked out of the club championship.
Best of luck in the trials lads.
Seem to be their is a shed load of Irish lads being let go. This experiment is failing
QuoteSeem to be their is a shed load of Irish lads being let go
Given the current economic climate in Ireland and collapse of the construction industry I'd expect dozens to head for Oz if offered contracts.
Quote from: under the bar on November 11, 2008, 04:39:43 PM
QuoteSeem to be their is a shed load of Irish lads being let go
Given the current economic climate in Ireland and collapse of the construction industry I'd expect dozens to head for Oz if offered contracts.
The type of players they offer contracts are too young to be heavily involved in construction in reality
Quote from: Gnevin on November 11, 2008, 04:36:25 PM
Seem to be their is a shed load of Irish lads being let go. This experiment is failing
Who?
Aisake O'Hailpin and Colm Begley and Begley may well still get picked up. Can't remember anyone else being let go from the current bunch over there? Not yet anyway.
QuoteGiven the current economic climate in Ireland and collapse of the construction industry I'd expect dozens to head for Oz if offered contracts.
The type of players they offer contracts are too young to be heavily involved in construction in reality
As a cornerstone of the economy, a downturn in construction affects every other sector. We'll soon be back to the 1980's talent drain.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 11, 2008, 05:06:44 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on November 11, 2008, 04:36:25 PM
Seem to be their is a shed load of Irish lads being let go. This experiment is failing
Who?
Aisake O'Hailpin and Colm Begley and Begley may well still get picked up. Can't remember anyone else being let go from the current bunch over there? Not yet anyway.
Michael Shields came back too a few months back. Was that his decision or the club's?
Quote from: ExiledGael on November 11, 2008, 06:16:33 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on November 11, 2008, 05:06:44 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on November 11, 2008, 04:36:25 PM
Seem to be their is a shed load of Irish lads being let go. This experiment is failing
Who?
Aisake O'Hailpin and Colm Begley and Begley may well still get picked up. Can't remember anyone else being let go from the current bunch over there? Not yet anyway.
Michael Shields came back too a few months back. Was that his decision or the club's?
Pretty sure he was homesick and wanted to come home himself.
i hope he has a great time there and wish him the best of luck. if it doesnt work out for any number of reasons hopefully he'll come back an even better player.
Big loss to Kerry - class player.
Hopefully he just goes for a year or two and comes back a better player..
Its bad news but its only a trial and if he takes a few months out after a very long first season thats no bother.
Moran and Walsh would be huge losses for Kerry if one or both get offered Oz contracts but hopefully as someone says, it might be just a bit of a jolly for a few months. I'd say both lads after winning U21 medals and getting withing touching distance of a senior medal this year will be nothing but hungry to come back and add to their family's bulging medal collections of senior All Ireland medals.
It's tough on Kerry, Walsh is a proven class act. Kielt will be a massive loss to Derry if he decides to go for it, but I have my doubts about whether he will or not.
AFL isn't the only sport we've competition from, there was a good article in the indo last week highlighting how young Sheridan of Celtic had played minor for Cavan, as did Long for Tipp. In rugby we had Rob Kearney played minor for Louth, Horgan for Meath and there are many more across both of those codes - basically, either we come up with a compensation scheme for players that reflects their efforts or we stop moaning about this.
Sad to see Tommy go but at this stage most counties are affected at this stage . Only a certain % will make it but I am sure it is a great experience for a young player to experience a new country ,good climate and see how a professional sportsman lives .I dont think the Gaa can really do anything about it as it cant afford to pay players and cannot get into a bidding war for players . With the economic situation getting worse there will be less money around even in the banks .
Potentially yet another graduate of the AFL's Irish-based Academy of Underage Excellence (in conjunction with the GAA).
On a more optimistic note for the Kindgom, he might be just slightly too old for the moulding required for the conversion, younger lads are more malleable, though that's not to say that's it's an impossibility. Bad news.
Just wondering lads what advice would ye give to any of your family members if they were offered the chance of going profesional in oz or stay at home to play gaelic. If it was mine as much as i love gaelic i would be telling them to give it a go , what have they got to loose if they make it then they get a chance to become a professional athlete and if not then the would come back to ireland a stronger fitter player .
Quote from: the Deel Rover on November 12, 2008, 01:43:03 PM
Just wondering lads what advice would ye give to any of your family members if they were offered the chance of going profesional in oz or stay at home to play gaelic.
Would tell them to give it a go
The opportunity to be a professional sportsman would be far too good to pass up
first of all you'd be delighted he'd be chosen and you'd be backing them the whole way to make a success of their opportunity!!
does anyone have a background on the two boys are they in college or in full time work??
if both are working full time then the professionalism aspect makes it even more appealing
Apparently due to club commitments, Tommy wont be going now to Australia.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2008/1120/1227134379331.html
What age is Tommy Walsh ? 21 ?
saw that mid louth, i know the deadline for the afl is dec 1 but you'd really have to wonder how serious they were
QuoteTo sign them virtually off the plane I think would be unfair on them and their families, and I don't think from the longer term, in terms of the relationship with Gaelic football full-stop, that's the right thing to do."
Something of an encouraging statement from a representative of the St Kilda club
I read the title and was wondering why they'd wanta kilkenny star man. But its another chap!
The GAA seem to have missed a trick here, they could do with copying the hurlers and put of a mixed bag of players rather than showcasing the they have offer for the ozzies to nick. Its all very well saying its scandless then puting no protection in place for the lads and then having a showcase, meaningless match.
Quote from: youngfella on November 20, 2008, 07:58:20 PM
I read the title and was wondering why they'd wanta kilkenny star man. But its another chap!
The GAA seem to have missed a trick here, they could do with copying the hurlers and put of a mixed bag of players rather than showcasing the they have offer for the ozzies to nick. Its all very well saying its scandless then puting no protection in place for the lads and then having a showcase, meaningless match.
The hurlers are under some threat from the professionals in the Shinty game in Bonny Scotland
Good news for Kerry fans - bad news for the rest of us in that he'll be back to wreak havoc on defences next year.
Kerry corner-forward Tommy Walsh will be returning home following a ten day trial with Aussie Rules side St Kilda.
The 2008 Young Footballer of the Year impressed during his time Down Under, and St Kilda recruiting manager John Peake revealed that he expects the teenager to return in the future.
However, for now, Walsh is focusing on his county commitments with Kerry. 'It's been a very enjoyable week and all of the Saints' players and coaches have been very helpful,' he said.
'I'm not going to rule out coming back (next year) but there's nothing set in stone. I am going home to concentrate on the next few years with Kerry.'
Quote from: full back on November 12, 2008, 01:46:23 PM
Quote from: the Deel Rover on November 12, 2008, 01:43:03 PM
Just wondering lads what advice would ye give to any of your family members if they were offered the chance of going profesional in oz or stay at home to play gaelic.
Would tell them to give it a go
The opportunity to be a professional sportsman would be far too good to pass up
Of course it is, and any other old guff you hear about other reasons are just that, complete rubbish. The only reason these players will go is because of the opportunity to be professional sportsmen
Quote from: stephenite on December 17, 2008, 11:41:08 AM
Quote from: full back on November 12, 2008, 01:46:23 PM
Quote from: the Deel Rover on November 12, 2008, 01:43:03 PM
Just wondering lads what advice would ye give to any of your family members if they were offered the chance of going profesional in oz or stay at home to play gaelic.
Would tell them to give it a go
The opportunity to be a professional sportsman would be far too good to pass up
Of course it is, and any other old guff you hear about other reasons are just that, complete rubbish. The only reason these players will go is because of the opportunity to be professional sportsmen
Do they not get that already in Kerry ?
Quote from: orangeman on December 17, 2008, 11:50:20 AM
Quote from: stephenite on December 17, 2008, 11:41:08 AM
Quote from: full back on November 12, 2008, 01:46:23 PM
Quote from: the Deel Rover on November 12, 2008, 01:43:03 PM
Just wondering lads what advice would ye give to any of your family members if they were offered the chance of going profesional in oz or stay at home to play gaelic.
Would tell them to give it a go
The opportunity to be a professional sportsman would be far too good to pass up
Of course it is, and any other old guff you hear about other reasons are just that, complete rubbish. The only reason these players will go is because of the opportunity to be professional sportsmen
Do they not get that already in Kerry ?
Not that I'm aware of
no harm, other counties are losing the cream too. kerry are due to lose a lot more than tommy walsh in the coming years.
Quote from: orangeman on December 17, 2008, 11:50:20 AM
Quote from: stephenite on December 17, 2008, 11:41:08 AM
Quote from: full back on November 12, 2008, 01:46:23 PM
Quote from: the Deel Rover on November 12, 2008, 01:43:03 PM
Just wondering lads what advice would ye give to any of your family members if they were offered the chance of going profesional in oz or stay at home to play gaelic.
Would tell them to give it a go
The opportunity to be a professional sportsman would be far too good to pass up
Of course it is, and any other old guff you hear about other reasons are just that, complete rubbish. The only reason these players will go is because of the opportunity to be professional sportsmen
Do they not get that already in Kerry ?
What a daft statement
If he had stayed, would Kerry have another 2 All-irelands to their name?
Quote from: Jinxy on October 25, 2013, 01:06:55 PM
If he had stayed, would Kerry have another 2 All-irelands to their name?
that's some bit-of-looking-up-back-in-the-day-thread Jinxy