R.I.P Tim Kennelly

[Xie Shan]

I got a shock when I saw this. Not what I was expecting at all when logging on to RWO today. Very sad news for Tadhg and his family.

It will seemingly count for little now, of course, but at least he was able to see his son doing what he loved, and becoming a huge success at it by achieving at the highest level possible in Australian football.

I think a gesture from the Club as Justice suggested is a great idea. What exactly I'm not sure, but the lasting connection that the club has established with the Kennelly family ought to be acknowledged.

I'm not sure what else to say - I'm hopeless at expressing condolences.

[Charlie]

I just heard on the radio that Tadhg has been given a month's compassionate leave. Not surprising.

[ROK Lobster]

Sad, sad news. Thoughts to the Kennelly family.

[OldE]

Originally posted by Charlie
I just heard on the radio that Tadhg has been given a month's compassionate leave. Not surprising.

Source

[EMJ]

Find it unusual that nothing on AFL site or Swans site.
Very very said for Kennelly - I feel for them all at this time of year.
I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed home now - his mum will need him. Maybe though I think he has an older brother.
Guess time will tell. Said to lose your dad when his dad was so young.

[katie-scarlett]

Originally posted by janpa
Find it unusual that nothing on AFL site or Swans site.

ditto that.
although it is obviously all over the GAA, kerry FC & the Emmets sites.
man.. that was one father son pair that were definately close to each other.

but with the Tahdg staying in Ireland comments, i think he'll come back to finish his contarct.
it's just not him to not complete it.

[The Boot]

Originally posted by j s
Like others I think this now makes it almost certain that Tadhg will return to Ireland. My hope is that he will have quick success and then return to Sydney.

I am at a loss to understand why he'd do that. What ... skill up for another year .. taste more success with the Bloods, and then ... cut & run?

I'll bet that he quickly figures out that he (1) can carve out a massive career here (2) not have to relearn the game (yes!) in the hope that his team (whomever they are) is successful enough to win their highest award, and (3) will feel that he can call Australia "home".

Vale Tim.

[Charlie]

Boot - he has been expected to follow in his father's footsteps and win an All-Ireland since he could walk. It was tough for him to come here in the first place and put off that dream... well, how much harder is it going to be now?

I don't think that Tadhg has achieved even half of what he is capable of. Yesterday I would have been bitterly disappointed and a pinch angry if he went home before we saw all of what he could do. Not now.

[SheppSwanFan]

Originally posted by janpa
Find it unusual that nothing on AFL site or Swans site.
Very very said for Kennelly - I feel for them all at this time of year.
I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed home now - his mum will need him. Maybe though I think he has an older brother.
Guess time will tell. Said to lose your dad when his dad was so young.

I don't. Possibly Tadhg's asked that he be given some time.

[Mark Busuttil]

Tadhg - family is bigger than footy. Whether you stay or go is up to you. As much as we would like you to stay, our opinions don't matter. You don't owe anybody more than your family.
I would not even try to imagine how you & your family are feeling.
You are a Swans man & as supporters, I'm sure all fans feel deep sorrow for your loss. To your family & friends in Ireland, deepest sympathy.

[Grant]

Originally posted by Mark Busuttil
Tadhg - family is bigger than footy. Whether you stay or go is up to you. As much as we would like you to stay, our opinions don't matter. You don't owe anybody more than your family.
I would not even try to imagine how you & your family are feeling.
You are a Swans man & as supporters, I'm sure all fans feel deep sorrow for your loss. To your family & friends in Ireland, deepest sympathy.

Amen,

ditto to all that is said above,my thoughts exactly.

[Alice]

Just devastating.
I've been finding it hard to focus on anything else tonight and just feel extremely sorry as I've been trying (& failing) to comprehend how Tiger would be coping on that flight home.
Had a quick check of the 'Bigfooty' forum - someone there wrote that up until yesterday winning an All-Ireland was Tadhg's life ambition... and now suddenly it's turned into his life mission.

[katie-scarlett]

ditto Alice, i've just fudge work all day today.
2 thoughts
1. flight home (that's a bloody long flight alone)
2. it's 2 weeks before christmas..

[Charlie]

Originally posted by Mark Busuttil
Tadhg - family is bigger than footy. Whether you stay or go is up to you. As much as we would like you to stay, our opinions don't matter. You don't owe anybody more than your family.
I would not even try to imagine how you & your family are feeling.
You are a Swans man & as supporters, I'm sure all fans feel deep sorrow for your loss. To your family & friends in Ireland, deepest sympathy.

Spot on.

[NMWBloods]

Our opinions have pretty much never mattered.
Absolutely right that family is way bigger than footy.
However, we can't possibly know whether it will make him more or less likely to go home after his contract expires.