Irish Echo Sport

Kerryman Tadhg Kennelly has completed a unique sporting feat.

As the final whistle blew at Croke Park last Sunday Kennelly became the first man to have won both an AFL Premiership Medal and an All Ireland winners’ medal. He also completed a life-long dream of lifting the Sam Maguire trophy above his head, as his late father Tim had done on five occasions, most memorably in 1979 when he captained the Kingdom to victory.

Kerry won the match 0-16 to 1-9, defeating neighbours and fierce rivals Cork in the process.

An emotional Kennelly told RTE immediately after the game that his first thoughts were of his dad.

“It’s very emotional,” Kennelly said, fighting back tears. “I’m very lucky to have come back and achieved this in my first year. My family have been through a lot. Personally, the years haven’t been too kind over there [in Australia].”

The 28-year-old had spoken recently of how, for a time, he resented Australia after his father’s premature death at the age of 59 in 2005.

He felt that his decision to play Aussie Rules had robbed him of time with his dad during those final years.

Of his unique AFL/GAA double, Kennelly said that the significance of it had yet to sink in.

“Just thinking of my father today,” he said.

In the stands at Croke Park to watch Tadhg achieve ths rare feat were Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos and at least 15 other players and officials from the club who had travelled over to support him.

GAA and AFL fans around Australia watched the match live via Setanta Sports.