FOLLOWING HIS RECENT decision to retire, Tadhg Kennelly has spoken of the “emotional” nature of his final game with the Sydney Swans.
The player has been at the club since 1999, having previously played GAA at underage level for Kerry, and has enjoyed a successful AFL career.
Speaking after the Swans beat the Brisbane Lions by a score of 119-67, Kennelly told reporters: “I have been a long time playing here and it was great to say thanks to all the fans.”
At 30, many have questioned whether the player has a few more years left to play, however Kennelly insists he has made the right decision, telling the Sydney Morning Herald:
“When I made the decision to retire, it’s been a big weight off my shoulders.”
Kennelly has enjoyed a successful AFL career, worthy of comparison with another Irish great – Jim Stynes.
He will retire having played almost 200 games, in addition to being the only Irish player to win an AFL Premiership medal – a feat which he achieved in 2005 and one he could potentially repeat this year, as his side prepares for an elimination final against Tommy Walsh’s St Kilda this coming weekend.
