Tadhg Kennelly – Rot in Camelot?
Written by Thomas Byrne
21 October 2009
Filed in:
Sport
Tadhg Kennelly’s return to Ireland is the stuff of fairytale. The first ever Irish-born Aussie Rules Premiership winner turned his back on the sunshine and glamour of Sydney to try and win an All Ireland medal with his home county. Lump in your throat yet? There’s more.
Kennelly was born into GAA royalty. His father Tim had won no less than five All Ireland medals. His brother Noel had added to the family hoard with a medal in 2000. The prospect of being the only male in the family without having achieved this honour must have gnawed at his conscience all those miles away in Australia.
Of course Kennelly was a media sensation. His arrival was met by euphoric scenes at Tralee train station. The bronzed and towering figure of Kennelly was mobbed by young autograph hunters and press photographers alike. It was like the Kingdom had its very own answer to David Beckham.
No one balked when Kennelly was wafted on to the Kerry senior panel. Even despite the fact that this is usually a privilege reserved only for those who have excelled for their local teams time after time. It is fair to say that the faith in Kennelly was rewarded with solid Championship performances, including a masterful display against Meath in the All Ireland semi-final. Idolised by young fans, fancied by most of the female population, media trained by the Swans and tipped as an eventual successor to Jimmy Deenihan’s Dail seat, Kennelly could do no wrong.
The rot in Camelot began a few seconds into the All Ireland Final against Cork in Croke Park. With an alleged wink and a nod to a teammate, Kennelly delivered an ‘over the top’ challenge on opponent Nicholas Murphy. The granite-like Murphy required medical attention for a number of minutes.
These things happen, right? Afterall football is a physical sport. In time Kennelly's actions would have been forgotten were it not for the following. In his book ‘Unfinished Business’ Kennelly suggested that the assault had been premeditated. A media storm and general backlash ensued. The Kerry Manager stated that he could not condone Kennelly’s actions. Talk of disciplinary measures by the GAA filled the air.
In his defence Kennelly has said that the comments were made in the hyped aftermath of the All Ireland final to the ghost-writer of his book, the Australian journalist Scotty Gullan. Kennelly went on to say that he had not proof-read the book and would have censored the controversial text. Does the fact that Kennelly would have censored the text or couched the sentiment in different language do anything for his case? Not in my mind. No get-out there I'm afraid. Furthermore, the omission of not proof-reading the text amounts to a cardinal sin for a man from a town with a literary heritage such as Listowel. What would John B. say?
However, September 20th 2009 saw another disagreeable transgression by Kennelly. As he walked up to lift the Sam McGuire Cup, the bold Tadhg leaped onto the presentation platform boots and all only to perform a phony gig. This sensational action was no doubt aimed at the Australian press as Kennelly had done something similar after receiving his Premiership winning medal a few years previously. To many, this act of unprecedented showmanship displayed a degree of disrespect for that hallowed part of the Hogan Stand dedicated to prize giving for over a hundred years.
The 28-year old is reported to be distraught with the reaction to the statements in his book. He is learning that Irish audiences are still prepared to bring a man down to earth, not matter their superstar potential. His relationship with Kerry and GAA fans alike will be further tested with the outcome of his on-again off-again decision to rejoin the Sydney Swans. It might be a good idea for Kennelly to stay another year at least and try to mend this recent dent in his public perception and career. Another good idea would be to keep better company, cling to the more respected members of the Kerry panel and learn from the redemptive efforts of those who have sinned so prolifically in the past.
Monday, 23 November 2009 11:42 MAURICE from Dublin
...jeez, the man's a legend. Take it easy!
Friday, 20 November 2009 16:35 Mary from Sydney
People get a grip! Of course he went back to live the dream and try to win an All-Ireland medal for himself, his family and the memory of his father! The Kerry people loved it but one step out of place and sure he is now the worst in the world! Do you really think that 90% of footballers do not go out on the field and do the same thing every weekend (pls side line people dont point the finger until you have played the game!) So what if he decided to come back to Sydney! Why wouldnt he?? HELLO a fantastic career and lifestyle! He is not selfish but wise! And the comment about keeping better company! Holy god I think this writer needs to go and write about something a bit more important in the world and not what Tadhg should or should not be doing! Friends that grow up together stick together and do not judge eachother for some errors they may have made in the past! Oh sure Thomas you are only a saint and still tied to your Mammy's apron strings if you have not done anything wrong in your life! Move on!
Wednesday, 18 November 2009 18:52 Tom Donnelly from Leicester
I wouldn't blame the man for going back to Australia, the weather, the money, the fame... The weather and the attitude in rural Ireland would drive a man mad, especially someone that is used to bigger things.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009 14:42 Declan Cassidy from Sligo
I've played Aussie Rules football and can honestly say that Gaelic Football is a far more refined game. Apart from bouncing an oval ball back to oneself, I cannot see the skill involved. For example, in Aussie Rules you get a free kick if you catch the ball in the air after it travels a certain distance! In Gaelic Football, this is just another (unrewarded) skill of the game.
Roughhousing and physicality is all that matters in Aussie Rules and Tadhg Kennelly's actions in the All Ireland came straight from that game's 'How to' guide. Australia, you're welcome to Kennelly and you can keep your Neanderthal game too.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 13:44 David Kenny from Stoke
It's now obvious that Kennelly won the All-Ireland Medal for HIMSELF and not for Kerry or its supporters. Kerry won championships without him before and will do so again. No loss.
Monday, 09 November 2009 13:54 Mary from Manchester
I take your point Phil but wouldn't it have proved all his doubters wrong if he stayed another season with Kerry esp given the controversial end to the season with "that tackle". Bet a lot of kerry GAA folks are disappointed with that - not angry just disappointed. Bar Galvin:) they demand alot of good character from their inter county stars.
On a more worrying note generally for the GAA, the stream of young GAA talent may become a river if times remain bleak for young people getting jobs if a genuine opportunity to play professional sport as well as gain a 3rd level education is offered over in Oz.
Monday, 09 November 2009 13:44 Phil from Birmingham
yip - he's officially gone now - its either Swans or St Kilda, surely Swans as he's still on the books there. St Kilda was merely used as a stalking horse by his agent I'm sure. I don't is it hard to blame him after the usual modus operandi of the Irish sporting public --"build a guy up and then chop him down to size for all to see". Not his fault he was fortunate enough to get his all-ireland at first time of asking, a good argument that he was teh difference by quietening Canty in final. I think he would have stayed if they'd not done it
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 09:58 Linda O'Rourke from Liverpool
News today that Kennelly is set to go back to Australia is the final kick in the ribs for the people of Kerry and the GAA in general. This decision can only be described as selfish. It's now obvious that his return to Kerry was solely to serve his own personal ambitions and to make his career in Australia all that bit more newsworthy and lucrative. All I can say is, Mr. Kennelly don't bother coming back and trying to play Gaelic football in Ireland again.
Thursday, 22 October 2009 14:47 Tim from London
Decent piece, I have to agree with this. Despite being A Corkman, I will firstly admit that Kerry deserved it on the day, they out-witted us in midfield and outscored us by taking their chances when we didn't after a great start. I was willing to believe Tadhg's challenge was just over-zealous and a build-up of 10 years of yearning for the celtic cross. He comes across as a decent guy and I bought into the fairytale like everyone else. The ghost writer's words weren't made up though, so to me Kennelly's immediate answer was the truth. Kerry have always played with flair and hold the mantle of Gaelic football's aristocrats and looked down on Tyrone and teams of that ilk that focused on the physical confrontation above skill and entertainment. Ironic to see then that they used classic Tyrone tactics to beat Cork. Good point on the company he is keeping since returning to Finuge or was it the AFL mindset coming into play since he left these shores - win at all cost!
Thursday, 22 October 2009 14:41 Aidan Cooney from London
Oh dear god, what a pile of muck! Last time I read the law was if there was intent, well it's an assault, whether on or off the pitch! Tadhg and Galvin, show a distinct disregard for GAA rules and a clear signs of developmental delay around their views of sportsmanship and rules. I estimate both, collectively show a functioning age of a three year old when playing GAA.
In terms of the semi final performance, Meath beat themselves! Kerry may have played on the day but Meath players did enough to lose it themselves! What Tadgh and Donal Og show at present is controversy sells books and they are getting enough media hype it makes me wonder, where is the GAA going! We can do with out Tadgh's hype and ghost writing blaming. I remember, not so long ago having a few pints with Meath and Dublin players hearing stories that weren't neccesarily for Xmas book market and muck fame game!