Interesting article on Tadhg

[Sanecow]

Some choice snippets:

"The only reason I went out there was to better my Gaelic football," insisted Tadhg

He added: "There is so much to be gained from another 10 years in Australia but I've never been a person in love with money or fame.

"There will always be something missing in my life if I at least don't have a crack at wining an All-Ireland. I'll never be a happy man. I'll never die a happy man if I at least don't have a crack at it."

Kennelly will miss the international rules series, a concept he feels should be practiced every two years and not annually as it is at present

Source

[stellation]

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[Go Swannies]

Tadhg has a tendency to say what his audience wants to hear. We may be reading another example here. But I finished the article thinking "if the Swans was just a way to improve his Gaelic football, let him go". And we better start grooming someone else for run out of defence.

When does he finish uni? And does anyone know if his Australian girlfriend is as keen on the move as he is?

[Alice]

Mmm, definitely my first thought also was that the article was written from a distinctly 'Irish' perspective which, of course, is understandable and to be expected. But I also wonder about the pressure that Tadhg might be facing at home at the moment? We are all aware of his thoughts and plans re: his definite return to Kerry one day, but there are a number of factors (Kerry's recent loss, team nearing the 'end of their term') that seem to be creating expectations for Tadhg's return VERY soon. If a move back to Ireland at the end of '06 is what he truly wants, then no one would begrudge him that and would only be grateful for all that he has offered the Swans. My hope, though, is that the expectations placed on him back home aren't weighing so heavily that he cuts his time here prematurely, only to possibly regret it later on.

[graystar]

He will be in a difficult situation. Take my case, where I am living in London been here for 4 years now. Whenever I pop home from christmas etc there is always the underlying question as to how long till you come back. eg family and friends. Normally I just avoid the answer because you will always offend someone - your family, or your english girlfriend.

Basically, you just got live your life and then hopefully there will be a point when you just announce your decision - any hinting might give certain people the wrong hope.

Tadgh would have that pressure times 100, as its not just family but also clubs, media etc.......

[desredandwhite]

Well that's a bit alarming! But could also be the way it's written. Obviously it's for the Irish audience, but I think the author is taking a few things for granted. It won't be an easy decision, but it's not a given that Tadhg will leave after 2006.

What I THINK will happen is that he will negotiate a pretty substantial 1 or 2 year contract at the end of 2006 that will set him up for life, then go back to Ireland. He'll be 26 or 27, still plenty of years left to win an all-ireland final.

He's got to do what he's got to do. To my mind he has already wildly exceeded expectations. When we first recruited him, I thought gee if this kid keeps improving at this rate, he might even play a senior match! How good would that be!

So there you have it. Tadhg Kennelly, 100-game premiership player. As far as I'm concerned, he's paid off whatever debt might have been owed for the faith and development work the club has put in. Now he has to take care of himself - whether that is financially, or to fulfil his dreams.

[Xie Shan]

I couldn't begrudge him the chance to win an All-Ireland medal, but of course it will be sad to see him go. If he played out his career in Australia he could well become a 250-game player and hence one of the great servants of the club. Which would be pretty special.

[ScottH]

And agin

[Go Swannies]

Funny how the SMH has picked up the story from the West Australian. That loss still rankles bigtime, doesn't it? Stand by for the "Swans have lost the hunger" articles in the West about New Year.

I wonder if Tiger expected the story to be picked up over here.

[anne]

Tadgh needs to be careful. I spent 26 years in Sydney planning to move back to my family, friends etc in Melbourne. After 4 years here I have realised that life goes on, your family survive without you and that being back doesn't make everything better. The grass is greener etc. He has a good life in Sydney, a great job, girlfriend. He needs to think very carefully before walking away for a "dream" - reality is often better.

[Rizzo]

Nothing stopping him winning the All Ireland in 2007 and returning to Sydney in 2008.....I hope!

[goswannie14]

Originally posted by Rizzo
Nothing stopping him winning the All Ireland in 2007 and returning to Sydney in 2008.....I hope!

I must admit the same thought crossed my mind

[hammo]

It's very concerning as you'd think his best football is still ahead of him.

[Sanecow]

Since he has never had a real job (by his own admission), I don't think he realizes how good he currently has it and how valuable another few years of well invested AFL salary would be to him if/when he returns home.

[cruiser]

Does Tadgh have a girlfriend here in Sydney? If not, get to work girls and make that man never want to leave here.