Moran upbeat despite AFL disappointment

DAVID MORAN’S disappointment at not securing a rookie contract with Australian Rules club St Kilda has been somewhat offset by the opportunity of him playing for Kerins O’Rahillys in Sunday’s Munster football final against Kilmurry-Ibrickane.

It was announced yesterday his two-week trial with St Kilda had not resulted in the desired contract, thereby ending the chance of him joining Kerry team-mate Tommy Walsh, although Moran would now be travelling back to Ireland in time for Sunday’s final.

Moran still described his Australian experience in positive terms, and hopes he can put it towards improving his prospects back in Kerry: “I had the chance to come into contact with a professional sports set-up and to see if my physical make up and skill set was suited to Aussie Rules,” he said.

“It was a big challenge competing in various trails against professional AFL players over a short period especially after a long GAA season but I really enjoyed it and have taken positives from the experience, which I can apply to my own sporting career in the future.”

St Kilda’s general football manager Matthew Drain paid tribute to Moran’s attitude and willingness to learn over the trial period: “Overall, he did very well showing good endurance and he definitely was not out of his depth in our professional environment. David is only 21 years old but showed a great professional attitude and enthusiasm and his potential as a great all-round sportsman is obvious. As we know only a very small number of athletes from GAA successfully make the transition to AFL”.

So Moran can now turn his attention to Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds on Sunday, where, surprisingly, Kerins O’Rahillys seek to win the Munster title for first time. Clare champions Kilmurry-Ibrickane are seeking their second title, having won their first in 2004. “Obviously, I was happy to get this chance with St Kilda but I was closely monitoring my own club’s progress over the past month too,” added Moran.

“My focus will turn to helping O’Rahillys compete for our first ever Munster Club title, which would be an enormous boost to the club. Training every day for the past two weeks has meant that I’m in good physical shape and I’m looking forward to achieving something with the club.”

O’Rahillys are managed by Moran’s father, Ogie, and the only disappointment now is that older brother Brian is unlikely to play as he is recovering from a dislocated elbow. However, midfielder Michael Quirke has cut short his honeymoon and will arrive back in Tralee tomorrow evening, presumably ready for action on Sunday.

While Walsh remains a big loss to both club and county, his younger brother, Barry John, and former Kerry star, Declan Quill, are currently top scorers for the Tralee club. Moran’s return, along with that of Quirke, can only serve them well in their quest to win a first Munster title – and press on for All-Ireland honours.