Kennelly coming home - AFL overreaction?

[Bensars]

Not that easy to come straight back and into Gaelic football. Remember when Mc Nicholl came back from St Kilda, took him a long time to get back into what could only be described as a fluid gaelic footballer.

[youbetterbelieveit]

Will be exciting to see how he gets on.

Seen this on worldfootynews.com

Kennelly heads home
Thursday, January 29 2009 @ 03:48 PM EST

Contributed by: Troy Thompson


Paul Roos today discussed Kennelly's departure from the club "As a Club we knew Tadhg was going to go at the end of this season and we accepted that and were respectful of Tadhg's 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, it has fast-tracked that 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 Tim Kennelly, would one day take him back. We are totally supportive of Tadhg's decision. It has come six months before we thought it would but we completely understand that Tadhg wants to go back and have an impact. His genuine fear is that if he got injured this year, as has been the case the last couple of years, he would never fulfil his ambition that he has long had and it would genuinely haunt him for the rest of his life." He went on to say "Tadhg's contribution to the Swans has been sensational and led to our Premiership win in 2005, the sacrifices he has made to play with us, leaving his family and friends, have been extraordinary. His competitive drive has allowed him to become a star player of the AFL and will miss him but obviously respect his decision, will continue to support him and he will always be welcome back at the Football Club."

Kennelly having his say on the matter said, "I want to go back home, to be with my family and to be fit enough to still play back at home...It has been on my mind and making this decision is on par with me coming out here 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 decision potentially leaves the Swans list three short with Fosdike and most likely Kyle Coney joining him as being on Sydneys starting list for 2009 but not actually playing this season

[INDIANA]

Not that easy to come straight back and into Gaelic football. Remember when Mc Nicholl came back from St Kilda, took him a long time to get back into what could only be described as a fluid gaelic footballer.

will he have to work bensars? would you in his financial position. I'd say he'll have plenty of time to practice.

[BennyHarp]

He's obviously been thinking about this for a few months, so why would be be quoted trying to encourage Kyle Coney back a few weeks ago when he knew he was leaving himself! Perhaps it was all a kerry plan to unsettle Tyrone and rob them of their best young talent! You couldnt watch them Kerry hoors closely enough! 

[cornafean]

I wonder did Coney get wind of Kennelly's intentions before he made his own decision not to return after Christmas?

[thebandit]

Just read it out on the Today FM sports news

[Bensars]

Not that easy to come straight back and into Gaelic football. Remember when Mc Nicholl came back from St Kilda, took him a long time to get back into what could only be described as a fluid gaelic footballer.

will he have to work bensars? would you in his financial position. I'd say he'll have plenty of time to practice.

He will probably need it to be honest. Mc Nicoll wasnt recognisable as the player that left. The kicking style of straight of the centre of the boot seemed to be the biggest obstacle. But then again Kerry dont need to turn until august, so time is aplenty

[youbetterbelieveit]

I would hope that the Munster Council take the initiative and appoint Kennelly to help in the province, find him some job.

[thebandit]

I would hope that the Munster Council take the initiative and appoint Kennelly to help in the province, find him some job.

Excellent suggestion

[NAG]

quote author=thebandit link=topic=10124.msg464846#msg464846 date=1233239267]

I would hope that the Munster Council take the initiative and appoint Kennelly to help in the province, find him some job.

Excellent suggestion
[/quote]

Why has he not had it handy enough for the last few years?

[INDIANA]

my sentiments exactly he's hardly in need of a job!

[NAG]

Cheers Indiana, couldnt let that one slide especially in the current climate!

[magickingdom]

quote author=thebandit link=topic=10124.msg464846#msg464846 date=1233239267]

I would hope that the Munster Council take the initiative and appoint Kennelly to help in the province, find him some job.

Excellent suggestion

Why has he not had it handy enough for the last few years?
[/quote]



maybe because as someone who has excelled as a top professional in a dog eat dog environment he might actually have something to pass on to young players. tadgh is a class act as people will find out for themselves over time and with his knowledge of pro sports , different training techniques and love of gf the gaa could do alot worse

anyway i hope it works out for tadgh, i'm sure he has thought it all thro and will do well. as for playing for kerry - midfield has dara and michael quirkes superb performances for o rallihys in the co championship will have been right in front of jack (who is his own man), half forward, p galvin is back and darren o sullivan is now capt which will lead to more pressure to start him (he deserves to anyway imo) so tadgh will have plenty company. hes such a superb athlete that we'll fit him in no doubt! as for the elusive all ireland medal, that wont come easy but i wouldn't rule it out in the next few years (he's only 27)

[RedandGreenSniper]

I don't see what Kennelly's decision has to do with giving advise to Coney. Did Coney need Tadhg there to hold his hand or something? Of course he was going to recommend Sydney for him. He's been there ten years, its not as if he's jumping ship after a year. Tyrone boys bending over backwards here to see an anti-Tyrone agenda from a Kerryman.

As for his chances, I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kennelly will excel at football and, if he stays injury free, is a shoo-in for an All Star in his first year. The key for Jack O'Connor is how he brings him in - he can't call him straight in. He might have to play a couple of club games or trial games and then come on stream. The fact that he's coming home now though means he's not flying in for the All-Ireland so it will be easier to assimilate him.

The man is going to be a major success. He stands at 6'2" and having stood beside him when I met him in Sydney, he is a big boy! The thing is he is not used in Aussie Rules as a physical player - they see his strength being his pace, skill, courage and ball carrying. While he mightn't be a giant in Aussie Rules terms, he will be a bigger than normal Gaelic footballer and combined with serious speed and skill (which will come with the round ball quickly enough) will make him a formidable Gaelic footballer.

He'll probably slot in at midfield beside Darragh O Se but will be comfortable anywhere on the half-back line or half-forward line while he has had occasion to play for the Swans in the Aussie Rules equavalent of corner-back. A serious, serious boost for Kerry and I'll be interested to see if they come in in price for winning next year. If they don't, get on! To repeat, the only concern I'd have is the injuries but he's playing a less physical sport and less demanding in terms of energy too..

[Open yer eyes Man]

I don't see what Kennelly's decision has to do with giving advise to Coney. Did Coney need Tadhg there to hold his hand or something? Of course he was going to recommend Sydney for him. He's been there ten years, its not as if he's jumping ship after a year. Tyrone boys bending over backwards here to see an anti-Tyrone agenda from a Kerryman.

As for his chances, I've said it before and I'll say it again, Kennelly will excel at football and, if he stays injury free, is a shoo-in for an All Star in his first year. The key for Jack O'Connor is how he brings him in - he can't call him straight in. He might have to play a couple of club games or trial games and then come on stream. The fact that he's coming home now though means he's not flying in for the All-Ireland so it will be easier to assimilate him.

The man is going to be a major success. He stands at 6'2" and having stood beside him when I met him in Sydney, he is a big boy! The thing is he is not used in Aussie Rules as a physical player - they see his strength being his pace, skill, courage and ball carrying. While he mightn't be a giant in Aussie Rules terms, he will be a bigger than normal Gaelic footballer and combined with serious speed and skill (which will come with the round ball quickly enough) will make him a formidable Gaelic footballer.

He'll probably slot in at midfield beside Darragh O Se but will be comfortable anywhere on the half-back line or half-forward line while he has had occasion to play for the Swans in the Aussie Rules equavalent of corner-back. A serious, serious boost for Kerry and I'll be interested to see if they come in in price for winning next year. If they don't, get on! To repeat, the only concern I'd have is the injuries but he's playing a less physical sport and less demanding in terms of energy too..

A lot of assumptions of a guy that hasn't touched a round ball for the best part of a decade.

Jez, he's bound to be bursting for a slash.