Kennelly stays put

Australian Rules NewsTadhg Kennelly has ended months of speculation by confirming he is staying with the Sydney Swans Australian Rules club until the end of the 2009 Australian football league (AFL) season.

The Listowel man, who insists he was considering returning home at the end of this season, has signed a three-year deal with the reigning premier club. Last year the 25-year-old running defender bought a Aus$1 million (€600,000) house in Sydney, and in September's Grand Final he became the first Irishman to win an AFL Premiership.

Following the death of his father, Tim, last year, Kennelly has for the past few months spoken of his turmoil in deciding whether he would re-sign for Sydney or return home. Yesterday he revealed that spending time with his mother, Nuala, who enjoyed an extended holiday in Australia last month, persuaded him to stick with the Swans.

"I spoke to mum at length about everything and she told me she would support my decision to stay at Sydney," Kennelly said.

"It was a very difficult decision to make and I wanted to take my time over it, but I know I have made the right decision today."

Swans coach Paul Roos believes he will still have every chance to fulfil his dream of winning an All-Ireland winners medal with Kerry. "We were always confident Tadhg would stay with us, and we are delighted he has signed a new contract," Roos said. "The next three years are going to be the most fruitful for him, and I believe he can go on to become one of the AFL's greatest players and win an All-Ireland medal with Kerry in Gaelic football. He knows he can still get better and he is an integral part of our playing group."

Roos revealed Kennelly has been given special dispensation to remain in Ireland every year during the pre-season period from the end of the AFL season in September until January as part of his new contractual agreement.

"We acknowledge Tadhg has a unique family situation, so for him to stay in Ireland and train himself in pre-season is not a problem," he said. "We are very lucky to have a player of his ability in our team."