Hall of Fame recognition for Tadhg
March 19, 2015
Tadhg Kennelly inducted into the Sydney Swans' Hall of Fame.
Tadhg Kennelly's impact on Aussie Rules was recognised last night when he was inducted into the Sydney Swans' Hall of Fame.
The Listowel man made 197 appearances for the Swans after joining them as a rookie in 1999 and he carved a niche for himself in the history of the AFL when become the first Irish-born player to win an AFL Premiership medal in 2005.
His celebratory jig after the final siren sounded is a lasting image from that memorable day.
"Tadhg Kennelly showcasing his roots with an Irish jig, with his medallion proudly adorned around his neck, has been immortalised in the Bloods' story," reads a tribute on the Sydney Swans official website - http://www.sydneyswans.com.au.
"Little did the AFL know in 1999 that it was not only unearthing a superstar of the game but, much in the same mould as the late Jim Stynes, pave the way and encourage future international recruits to learn and love Australian Rules football.
"After arriving at the Swans via a rookie contract, a very green Kennelly spent hours upon hours learning the craft and adapting to a new way of life.
"It was tough road for the son of a Gaelic Football champion who had never previously travelled abroad.
"Kennelly was quoted as saying there were times when a one-way ticket to London was a very real possibility and, if it wasn't for Swans' former development coach and long-time father-figure George Stone, he would have packed up and left everything behind.
"Swans supporters are to this day thankful Kennelly stuck to the task.
"Kennelly acclimatized to the game strikingly well, his natural athleticism and sheer determination earning him a round 14 debut against Carlton in 2001.
"He entrenched himself in the Swans' line-up and would go on to play an integral role in the club's back-to-back grand final appearances in 2005 and 2006."
Congratulations to @TadhgKennelly on tonight's induction into the Swans Hall of Fame: http://t.co/gozLv2djgH #goswans pic.twitter.com/5sGAcprqoV
- Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) March 18, 2015
TweetWords can't describe how I feel, such an incredible honour & privilege to be announced in hall of fame @sydneyswans Kerrylad making his way
- Tadhg Kennelly (@TadhgKennelly) March 18, 2015
