World Footy News

Former Sydney Swan Tadhg Kennelly has been given an All-Star award in just his first season as a senior footballer having helped his native Kerry win a record 36th All Ireland triumph. The Awards are the equivalent of the All Australian team of the year. Kennelly was named in the All-Star team at left half forward and sees him emulate his late father who twice received the award in 1979 and ’80. Cork’s Michael Shields, once on the books of Carlton, was named at full back in the team.

Having lost the Munster final to Cork, Kerry were below par in winning through the qualifiers, when Kennelly was injured. While they were being written off by some their season turned around with a spectacular demolition of Dublin in the quarter finals. Kennelly came off the bench in that game to great effect and played from the start in a man of the match performance in the semi final victory over Meath. Despite being slight underdogs in the All-Ireland final again against their near neighbours and rivals, Cork, Kerry came out on top with Kennelly again to the fore.

The final was watched by Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos amid speculation that he was there to try and persuade Kennelly to return to Australia. Roos denied this was the case, claiming that he was there solely to support his former player whom he regards as a close friend. Kennelly has yet to commit but the rumours coming from Kerry suggest that he will stay on in Ireland, however as was the case this time last Kennelly could still decide either way.