Former Kerry star Tommy Walsh is loving life at St Kilda.

Tommy Walsh has found himself back at square one since leaving the dizzy heights of All-Ireland glory to take on a new challenge in the AFL. But the St Kilda recruit told CATHERINE MURPHY he is happy to take his time en route back to the very top.

It’s not easy starting over. But that’s exactly what 2009 All-Ireland medallist Tommy Walsh has done.

With a Gaelic football CV that boasts 2008 Young Gaelic footballer of the year among other plaudits, and a bloodline worthy of Kingdom hero status due to his dad’s own All-Ireland exploits, Walsh was the epitome of the Kerry football star.

That is until he left to attempt to conquer another sport.

Now settled in his new home in Melbourne he admits that while it’s hard starting at the bottom, he’s in no rush to crack the code.

“At times it’s tough because I worked so hard to establish myself on the Kerry team and now I’m back to the start like I was with Kerry at the beginning,” Walsh says.

“But I knew that was something I was always going to have to deal with and I’m not alone there. There’s plenty of guys at the club who have come from other clubs and are trying to gain the respect of players and coaches here so I suppose there’s strength in numbers.

“It takes time to develop, to get to know the game. I won’t be playing until I’ve done that and I’m ready. That’s one of the first things Tadhg [Kennelly] said to me, not to expect to play too quickly… St Kilda have such a strong squad.

“Breaking into the seniors is a slow process. I just want to develop and learn and play consistently enough to get into their selection plans. That’s my aim.”

While there are many trying to earn a senior jersey at a team who last year contested the Grand final, the former Gaelic footballer is unique in that his progress will be heavily scrutinised, and already has been.

Named once as an emergency player during the club’s NAB cup pre-season tournament campaign, his appearance on the team list made headlines both in Ireland and Australia.

Walsh insists he’s not affected by the hype or by the expectations that quick debuts of players such as Martin Clarke has heaped on Irish recruits.

“It’s not something I take any notice of. The club have kept me pretty sheltered since I got here so I don’t think about it. There was always going to be hype because I’ve gone from (winning an) All-Ireland to AFL.

“Because of the hype people want to see you play straight away. They want to see what you can do, see if you can play.”

For now the 22-year-old is learning his trade in the club’s reserves side Sandringham as a defender but he has ambitions to move into the forward line.

One part of his development that he doesn’t have to worry about is his physique. While most Irish recruits are ordered to gain weight on arrival, Walsh has actually trimmed down.

“A lot of the young guys are under pressure to put on weight so they can cope with the physical demands. But I’ve always been big so that’s an advantage. I’ve actually lost weight since I’ve got here.

“In the first few weeks I lost five kg. When I arrived I was 102 kilos, now I’m about 96.”

One element the Kerry man did have to focus on was his fitness.

“Players out here really are elite athletes because the game goes so much longer. I’m still not there yet. Sometimes I sit there at half time and think, ‘If I was at home and this was Gaelic football, the game would be over by now.”

Speaking of game conclusions and their repercussions, the question has to be asked. Would Walsh still be in Australia had Kerry lost the All-Ireland final last year?

Tommy Walsh poses for a photo during the St Kilda Football Club photo day at Linen House Oval in Melbourne.

“I think I’d still be here,” Walsh says.

“It was a massive ambition to win an All-Ireland and if we hadn’t done it, it would be something I’d want to go back and do. So winning it made it easier to come over here. But it was just too big an opportunity to turn down.

“Ten years down the line I didn’t want to be thinking ‘Why didn’t I?’ I suppose I didn’t want to die wondering.”

Walsh knows he’s lucky not to suffer the same affliction that consumed Kennelly for much of his career. The feeling of unfinished business, that hankering for an All-Ireland medal.

“There is less pressure because it’s one less thing to go home for. That’s not to say that I don’t want to go home and play Gaelic football in the future. There is still a lot I want to achieve with my club and county so I’m definitely not closing the door on that.”

While the media reaction to his signing was intense, one thing Walsh didn’t fear was the reaction of people in Kerry.

“I knew it wouldn’t be negative. I didn’t get any negative comments. Everyone wished me well. It’s not like people at home wanted me to go but once I decided they supported me. It was really nice how people would just come up to me on the street and say good luck and wish me well.”

It was in 2008 that the Saints first showed interest in Walsh, offering him a trial in Melbourne. However, due to his involvement with his club Kerins O’Rahilly, Walsh missed out on the deadline for the signing of international rookies in AFL.

Such was their interest in meeting him, the club flew him out to Melbourne anyway to assess his credentials.

They made no secret of the fact that they were impressed, and a year later it was a done deal. Walsh was going to St Kilda and the Kingdom would defend their title less two players who will instead don the jersies of Australian clubs.

Walsh insists that in the year between his visit down under and making the decision, his focus was on winning an All-Ireland.

“I didn’t want to think about it during the season. I didn’t want it to affect my football so my sole concentration was playing for Kerry and trying to win an All-Ireland. I didn’t let it affect me.

“I didn’t over analyse anything. I just decided that it was something I would think about and deal with after the season.”

When the season did end, Walsh sought advice from a teammate who had well and truly been there and done that.

“I talked to Tadhg at length about it because he had gone through everything I was about to go through. He didn’t try to persuade me either way. He just told me what to expect if I did go.”

So that makes two Kerry men watching their former team embark on their title defence from the other side of the world. Walsh has come to terms with his decision and having to settle in his role as observer.

“I’d love to be at home playing in the championship but I’ll be watching on the web and listening to Radio Kerry. But I’m doing something else now and I want to be successful at that.”

Tadhg Kennelly will miss at least three rounds with knee ligament damage.

Sydney Swans’ Irish defender Tadhg Kennelly will be out for at least three weeks as the result of a knee injury he picked up against the Fremantle Dockers on Saturday afternoon.

The Kerryman went off injured in the opening minutes of the Swans’ defeat at the SCG when he suffered a bang to the side of his left leg, and scans today revealed that he had suffered a medial ligament strain in his knee.

“The early indications are three weeks. Tadhg’s normally pretty good… at recovering so who knows, but at this stage we’d plan to not have him for the next three games,” Swans coach Paul Roos said today.

Elsewhere, Setanta Ó hAilpín’s Carlton Blues suffered a heavy loss at the hands of Hawthorn in Melbourne yesterday. The big Corkman had just three possessions as his side suffered their first defeat in three games.

Sydney FC's Irish-born captain Terry McFlynn, pictured at Sydney's post-championship winning celebration in March with Clare native Christine Whyte and her daughter Aisling, will play an Aussie Rules charity game on May 22 at the SCG.

Sydney FC’s Irish-born skipper Terry McFlynn will try his hand at Aussie Rules this weekend when he takes the field at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for a charity game as the curtain raiser to the Swans’ AFL clash with Fremantle.

The Magherafelt native, who captained the Sydneysiders to the A-League in March, will join a host of celebrities and athletes at the SCG this Saturday (May 22) where he will swap a soccer ball for a Sherrin and participate in the annual charity Redkite and OCF Celebrity AFL Game which is due to kick off at 1.40pm.

The match helps Australian children with cancer by supporting and raising funds for the Oncology Children’s Foundation (OCF) and Redkite. OCF is dedicated to finding cures and Redkite provides practical support to children, young people and their families through cancer.

McFlynn, who is good friends with fellow Irishman and Sydney Swans star Tadhg Kennelly, said he is looking forward to supporting Redkite and admits he is not sure how his first kick will end up.

“It will be interesting to see how my first kick goes. I won’t confirm or deny that I have had a few kicks of the AFL ball recently but either way the first one will be interesting,” McFlynn said.

“I follow Tadhg and the Swans and enjoy watching the game so to have the opportunity to play and while doing so throw my support behind the Redkite and OCF campaign makes it even better.”

Joining McFlynn is the likes of Merrick Watts and Scott Dooley from Nova 96.9, Gus Worland from Triple M, Adam Spencer and Les Hill and Gyton Grantley (from Underbelly).

“I probably should ask Tadhg for a few tips but I will back myself. It is going to be fun,” McFlynn said.

“Maybe I will ask if I can match up on Humphrey B Bear. I might get a kick that way.”

Tadhg Kennelly is doubtful for the Swans clash with the Crows next weekend.

Tadhg Kennelly has admitted he is “sore all over” after a sickening clash saw him knocked unconscious during the Sydney Swans’ heartbreaking defeat to St Kilda in Homebush on Saturday night, and Swans coach Paul Roos has been left in disbelief by the match review committee’s decision yesterday not to look at the incident any further.

The Kerryman – who was playing his first AFL game since 2008 – was struck in back by the flying body of Saints’ defender Zac Dawson as he took a blind mark in the dying moments of the game, slamming Tadhg face first into the turf, and Roos vented his anger yesterday.

“‘It was made clear that any collisions to the head were going to be looked at seriously,” Roos said. ”I don’t know whether that’s changed or whether in that particular incident it was deemed that Dawson went to mark the ball, I’m not too sure. I think everyone was on notice that guys heads were to be protected but it’s more up to the match review panel to comment than me.”

The morning after the game, Kennelly admitted that he vomitted and that he was still suffering from nausea.

“I’m sore all over … I’ve got a big lump on my head,” said Tadhg, who is in doubt to play Adelaide on Sunday. “I saw him coming … so I tried to raise my leg and turn my body into him.”

But he could not avoid the collision and was off the field for the crucial final moments of Sydney’s eight-point loss. Swans coach Paul Roos was clearly upset about the challenge, but princiaplly by the umpiring decision not to award a 50-metre penalty.

“I was expecting a 50 metre penalty. In the box we were all expecting a 50m penalty. Unless I’ve got the rules wrong, which obviously I have,” Roos said.

Tadhg’s condition will be monitored although he is not expected to train again until at least the end of the week.

Former Derry star Chris McKaigue chats to CATHERINE MURPHY about his first few weeks with the Sydney Swans, learning to come to terms with the physicality of the AFL, and laying claim to a senior guernsey by season’s end.

While the Sydney Swans’ experience with nurturing Irish recruits means that Derry’s Chris McKaigue has been afforded all the trappings required to adapt to his new life in the Harbour City, training has been less comfortable for the young rookie.

Despite his AFL career being in its infancy, he hasn’t been spared any of the physical exchanges which go hand in hand with his new sporting code.

“I’ve taken a few knocks at training but that’s part and parcel of it,” McKaigue said. “Here, when players get a knock, their first instinct is to try to get straight up again.

“Their mentality is to be as tough and brave as they can. That’s how you earn respect off your 
team-mates here, there’s no room for complainers.”

The Derryman is certainly feeling the contrast between his new professional sport and his native code.

Sydney Swans new recruit Chris McKaigue is loving life as a full-time athlete.

“What I’ve learned so far is there’s a lot of pushing and shoving off the ball to make yourself available, a lot of body work, whereas at home that would be a free or even a yellow card. In Gaelic football there’s none of that before the ball comes in. It’s just so physical here.

“But then you do so much gym work here to prepare your body for it.”

Such is the level of “body work” off the ball, McKaigue admits that he can understand how differences in the physical approach in both codes can lead to conflict during international rules games.

The hybrid series is due to resume in October 2010 with the Australians planning to make the trip to Ireland. The Aussies pulled out of the 2009 series due to what they cited as financial reasons.

“The first time I played in a backs and forwards drill, the boys were pushing and shoving off the ball and I was getting frustrated with it but you get used to it. There’s no malice in it… mind you when it turns into full blown fighting that’s different.”

As big as the transition to the oval ball game’s more robust style is, the challenge is perceived even more difficult by Australians.

“When you talk to (Australian) reporters or even players, they consider Gaelic football to be non-contact, which it isn’t of course, but that’s the way they see it.”

With the Swans having missed out on finals action in 2009, and with a number of the club’s 2005 Premiership side hanging up their boots, the pre-season regime has been extra tough.

“The guys were saying that this pre-season is the most intense for a while. It’s a big change from just training in the evening at home and it definitely takes the body time to adjust.

“Because there are so many young new guys at the club, who’ve only done one or two pre-seasons or none at all, they’re trying to get miles into our legs so that we can cope with the season.

“I’m only now realising how long it is. It’s 22 games minimum, not counting finals, so you need those miles to get through it. As well as being long it’s tough and physical. You have to take the bumps and recover within a week.”

McKaigue has a big act to follow at the Swans. Tadhg Kennelly became the first ever Irish player to win a Premiership in 2005 and is now back in Sydney having added an 
All-Ireland medal to his collection. The pair actually spent some quality time together before this year’s Sydney pre-season meeting.

“I started the National league final and he came on for the last 20 minutes and was my direct opponent.”

But who came out best during the meeting which saw Kerry claim their 19th National league title with a three-point win over Derry?

“It was coming to the end so neither of us got many touches… he did go down dramatically and got a free for it though. He still gives me grief about that,” McKaigue laughs.

While Kennelly’s presence back in the Harbour City is certainly a bonus for the former Gaelic footballer, he says he chose the Swans, not just because of Kennelly’s experiences with the club, but because of the way they went about recruiting him.

“They (player development manager Stuart Maxfield and recruitment consultant Rick Barham) had seen me play a game but before they rang me, they sent me a letter first asking if it was okay to make contact. They were so respectful of the GAA and what it means to people in the way they went about it.

“At the start I was interested, but you’re always hesitant at the thought of moving to the other side of the world and leaving your family… but once they offered me a contract and I made my decision, my mindset completely changed. I’ve committed to playing AFL and making it is enough of a distraction to keep my mind off homesickness.”

Despite the challenge that lies ahead proving a big enough distraction, McKaigue admits that avoiding homesickness at all is probably impossible.

“Tadhg has said that once I start going out and making new friends things get easier. I think homesickness will always be there no matter how long you’re at the club but you just have to learn to cope with it.”

As well as Kennelly offering support, the rookie says senior players at the club have also been welcoming.

“The older guys on the team have been really good to me. Jude Bolton lives close to me and he gives me a lift to and from training every day. He’s almost 30 and has played nearly 250 games so we have great conversations to and from training.”

McKaigue also has a good network outside the club. He lives with his Australian first cousin Tom Dorrans and Tom’s girlfriend Fiona.

“He’s been home a good few times so he was pretty keen for me to come out here. I’m really lucky because his girlfriend Fiona has been really good to me and does all my cooking and washing. There are not many lads who get that done for them.”

Clearly focused on the task of playing the game at the top level, a challenge which has eluded many Irish recruits in the past, including former Swans rookies Kyle Coney and Brendan Murphy, McKaigue isn’t afraid to speak of his aim to don a senior jersey in season 2010.

“I was talking to Craig Bolton (club co-captain) and he was telling me about how much the team has changed. A lot of the really experienced veterans from the ’05 Premiership and ’06 final are gone.

“He said if I work hard there’s no reason why I can’t play towards the end of the season. I just want to work hard and learn the game and play for the reserves and then if I get the opportunity that’s all I can ask for.”

McKaigue, in the meantime, has been handed the No 36 guernsey for the season ahead.

Tadhg Kennelly launches his autobiography at Borders bookshop in Bondi Junction on Thursday, November 19 at 6.30pm

by Irish Echo Staff

The Sydney Swans have announced that Tadhg Kennelly has accepted a new two-year contract with the club.

The news ends the speculation about the player’s future after the Irish Echo broke the story last week that the Kerryman was set to make a sensational return to the Swans, the club with which he won a Premiership medal in 2005.

After spending a considerable time making that decision, Kennelly will return to Australia next week to officially launch his autobiography Unfinished Business and at that time, commence training with the Swans.

“It is fantastic news for the Club that he has decided to resume his career with us as he has been a really important player for the Club,” CEO Andrew Ireland said.

“We obviously understand his desire to go back and win an All-Ireland final, and it was fantastic that he was able to achieve it so quickly and emulate the feats of his father.
“As always we appreciate the tough decision it is for Tadhg to come back to us, as he ultimately ends up being a long way from his family.
“We are delighted he has agreed to a two-year contract and look forward to having him join pre-season training next week.”

Sources close to the player in both Kerry and Sydney told the Irish Echo that the 28-year-old was set to announce his return to Australian Rules football before the end of November.

Since then, the chairman of the Kerry County Board Jerome Conway, confirmed the news.

“Tadhg has notified us officially that he is returning to Australia. I suppose as things were turning out over the last few weeks, it is no great surprise to us now,” he was quoted as saying.

“He did very well while he was here. He fulfilled his burning ambition to win an All-Ireland senior medal and emulate his late father. He certainly helped Kerry’s cause in a big way this year.

“His contribution as a coach out in North Kerry has been invaluable. He left a lasting impression with the youngsters he came in contact with.”

Kennelly’s decision to return to Australia will come as a major blow to Kerry with Tommy Walsh already committed to St Kilda and David Moran hoping to secure a similar deal.

The Listowel man owns property in Sydney and his long-term girlfriend Nicole Noonan still lives here.

Irish Echo efforts to contact the player failed.

Kennelly will appear in bookshops in both Sydney and Melbourne next week as he promotes his biography, Unfinished Business.