Kennelly dilemma: Kerry star admits ‘head fried’ over offer of Aussie Rules return
Tadgh Kennelly says he has ten days to decide whether or not to return to the Sydney Swans. Photo: Sportsfile
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Wednesday October 21 2009
Tadhg Kennelly has 10 days to decide if he wants to make a return to the AFL.
Kennelly admitted last night that he is strongly considering a return to the game despite his conviction in the immediate aftermath of the All-Ireland final victory over Cork that he would be staying with Kerry.
Kennelly confirmed that he has an offer from his previous Aussie Rules club, Sydney Swans, on the table and must decide whether or not to accept it by the end of this month. It is understood that St Kilda, the club that Tommy Walsh is bound for, have also made an offer.
Kennelly admitted his head was "fried" over the imminent decision whether or not to return.
"The offer was always there. It hasn't come since the summer or since September, when Paul Roos (Sydney coach) was there," he said.
"It's no secret that Sydney are looking to recruit and they see my experience counting with some of the younger players. I don't know. It's obviously a huge decision but it's one I have to make in the next 10 days."
Kennelly also revealed that a coaching role could be part of his brief if he did return.
"There would be a coaching opportunity there at some stage. I'd say at the most I'd have two years left in me as an AFL player, maybe three. There are a lot of things to consider and obviously financial security is one. My girlfriend Nicole is also living there. But I honestly haven't made up my mind. I'm torn on it."
It comes as Kennelly issued a statement yesterday expressing remorse for the tone of his commentary on the Nicholas Murphy All-Ireland incident which was published in his book 'Unfinished Business', an extract of which appeared over the weekend.
The extract has caused controversy but Kennelly stressed yesterday that he never intended to deliberately hurt any player. He also revealed that he was "stupid and naive" not to read the final extract in the days after the All-Ireland final.
"On my solemn word I did not and would never intentionally go out to hurt another footballer," he said. "The challenge, I admit, was over the top. I was too pumped up.
"The words 'while I hadn't wanted to come in and seriously injure anyone, I was determined to make a statement' were not included in the extract from the book even though this sentence followed on. That one line would have clarified my intentions but it was not included in the piece."
Kennelly stressed he would never do anything deliberately to sully the good name of his father or Kerry football.
Describing it as the worst days of his life since the death of his father, Tim, he accepted "100pc" that he had made a "big mistake".
Kennelly spoke to Kerry manager Jack O'Connor over his comments in the book. He is due to return to Australia in early November on a visit. How long he stays depends on his imminent decision.
- Colm Keys
Irish Independent
