Emotional time for Kennelly

Aussie Rules: Tadhg Kennelly has spoken for the first time about his anguish at losing last week's AFL Grand Final by just a point.

The Sydney Swans star said it was one of the worst days of his career, and the memory of his father's death earlier this year - Tim Kennelly travelled to Melbourne for last year's final - made the occasion even more emotional.

"It was a very emotional day for me and the rest of the family," Kennelly said.

"Before the game I received a lot of text messages and phone-calls from people back home in Ireland which meant a lot to me, but the memory of dad being in Melbourne last year was very emotional, and to lose by a f***ing point made it even harder to deal with.

"I know our coach, Paul Roos, said I played well, and the team played well, but it's not much consolation when you lose like that. It was the worst day of my Aussie Rules career with the Swans, but I've learned that there are more important things in life to worry about than football, so you just have to deal with it and move on."

Kennelly is enjoying a short holiday in Sydney with his mother Nuala, his aunt, brother and girlfriend. At this stage the family have not made definite plans as to when they will return to Listowel, but when the time comes Kennelly will be available to join Ireland's International Rules squad for the two Test matches against Australia on October 28th and November 5th.

"I haven't book any flights yet we will wait and see what happens. But I am definitely going to play International Rules this year," Kennelly said.

"It's going to be a hard series but I think we can do well against Australia and I'm looking forward to playing in Ireland."

Under the terms of his new three-year contract, Kennelly has been given special permission by the Swans to remain in Ireland until the start of pre-season training in January.

His priority when he returns to Listowel is to be with his family.

"It's been good to spend time with my mum, aunt, brother and girlfriend in Sydney," Kennelly said.

"Now I'm looking forward to going home and seeing everyone in Listowel."