World Footy News

The Sydney Swans tonight announced they have signed Irishman Colin O’Riordan as an International Category B rookie.

O’Riordan, who turns 20 next week, is an exciting prospect who hails from Irish county Tipperary.

The 187cm talented junior was recently named Gaelic football’s young player of the year and he’s also an All-Ireland minor winner in both hurling and football and has twice earned All-Ireland honours.

Irishman Tadhg Kennelly is a favourite son of the club in modern times and along the way they have also had Brendan Murphy, Chris McKaigue and Tommy Walsh come to the club from the Emerald Isle.

Kennelly oversaw the talent combine in Ireland late last year that was the first step in getting O'Riordan into the AFL system, but all clubs have the chance to both be at the combine here as well as see O'Riordan at the combine in Melbourne.  With Internationals the draft does not come into play in terms of who gets to sign them, it is first to sign them can then officially take them in the national draft.

Recruiting and List Strategy Manager Kinnear Beatson said the club is thrilled O’Riordan has decided to join the Swans.

“Colin came to the club early this week for a trial and had a training session with members of our academy where he instantly impressed us,” Beatson said.

“What struck us the most was how well he kicked the footy – he’s clearly been doing a lot of work on that – and he genuinely looks like an AFL footballer.

“He’s got great skills, takes the ball at the highest point when marking overhead, his work ethic and his competitiveness really shone out in the session he had with us.

“We’re really excited Colin has decided to join the Swans and we know he’s got the attitude and drive to give himself the best possible chance to forge a long and successful career.”

O’Riordan, who is flying back to Ireland on Monday after the AFL Combine, said he can’t wait to get back to Australia to start pre-season training with the Swans.

“It’s unreal, it’s a dream come true, I know it’s a cliché but it is 100 per cent true – I’ve always dreamed of being a professional sportsman,” O’Riordan said.

“I fell in love with Sydney instantly and from the moment I arrived at the club I felt at home as everyone was so welcoming.

“It hasn’t sunk it yet but when I touch down in Ireland and see my family I’m sure it will.

“I’m so thankful for everything Tadhg Kennelly has done for me and introducing me to a great club like Sydney and I can’t wait to get back up there and get stuck into training, meeting all the players and coaching staff and immersing myself in the game full time.”