Tommy Walsh bound for Oz

[Fear ón Srath Bán]

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.

[the Deel Rover]

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 .

[full back]

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

[mattockranger]

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

[thejuice]

Apparently due to club commitments, Tommy wont be going now to Australia.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2008/1120/1227134379331.html

[orangeman]

What age is Tommy Walsh ? 21 ?

[magickingdom]

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

[blast05]

To 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

[youngfella]

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.

[johnpower]

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

[orangeman]

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.'

[stephenite]

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

[orangeman]

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 ?

[stephenite]

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

[mannix]

no harm, other counties are losing the cream too. kerry are due to lose a lot more than tommy walsh in the coming years.