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Post by patinkerry on Jan 21, 2010 13:23:38 GMT
Ah well, first backup plan of the year floats away to dream world
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fivenarow
Senior Member
If it aint broken, then dont fix it!
Posts: 924
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Post by fivenarow on Jan 22, 2010 12:23:57 GMT
P You are correct about Tadgh - he was available in 2002 for the AI Final against Armagh, but was not selected, which was fair enough since one player who had trained all year would have to be dropped off the panel. Although I am convinced that if we had him or certainly Maurice that year as an impact sub when the tide turned against us, that we would not have thrown away that All-Ireland. Really bright people in Tyrone would get over that issue by naming him at no 31 and buying an extra medal. Didnt Tadhg say in his book that he was stopped playing with Listowel by the Kerry selectors before the 02 final & that he thought he was going to be in the squad.I think if the Kerry selectors of that time had their chance again they'd pick him now Really bright people down here would have bought a medal for Mike Hassett too in 97 & he trained all year - disgracefull to say the least & it probably cost us another AI in the late 90's due to the exile of Mike & Liam to Wicklow,fantastic to see he won one in 2000
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Post by kerrygold on Jan 28, 2010 9:56:50 GMT
AFL agent Nixon tips Moran for return to Oz By Brendan O’Brien Thursday, January 28, 2010 KERRY have already lost a handful of their victorious 2009 squad and they may face the prospect of losing David Moran to Australia at the height of this season’s All-Ireland championship. The Kerins O’Rahillys club man had a first trial with Tommy Walsh’s club, St Kilda, late last year and, according to player agent Ricky Nixon, he could well travel down under for another as early as this summer. "He might be brought out in the middle of this year or later in the year," said Nixon, "I’m not too sure. I can’t speak on behalf of the club because it’s their decision. My job is to identify the talent. "David handled himself extremely well when he was over here and he probably got the same shock of his life, like everyone gets, when he came over for the trials late last year. When Tommy came out the year before for training, he got a pretty big shock. The same for Aidan O’Shea from Mayo. "But the good thing is that David now has 12 months to get himself as fit as he can and ready to play. There is no doubt he has the ability, the physical size and the strength to make it. We are still pretty excited about David’s prospects," he told The Kingdom. Nixon has also revealed he will be making his next scouting trip to Ireland within the next month and suggested a number of new, young players have recently come to his attention. With a number of Gaelic football players cutting their time in the AFL short recently, there was a feeling that the ‘Irish Experiment’ had run its course but Walsh’s arrival seems to have rekindled interest. "There is no doubt that Tommy coming over will open the floodgates a little bit. Over the last few years there has been a nervousness from some players when they are coming for trials but now it’s a case of ‘how quick can I get there?’ It’s exciting for the young kids because it’s a chance to play a professional sport. I read some comments from Mickey Harte lately and it’s the same old comments again but I understand Mickey’s frustration because he wants to keep young players there." Walsh has, by all accounts, adapted quickly to life on and off the pitch at Melbourne where he has been christened Ivan by his teammates in reference to the Russian boxer played by Dolph Lundgren in Rocky IV. The former young footballer of the year was rightly regarded as a significant capture for the Aussie game and is expected to make his senior bow for St Kilda in the coming weeks in the pre-season NAB Cup "There is a very genuine excitement surrounding him," said Nixon. "Everyone feels it. Just the other day, he came into the office and some of our new staff were really interested in him. He is a terrific guy. "Tommy has obviously come to Australia with a lot of accolades and come with a high profile, bigger than someone like (Down’s) Jamie O’Reilly at Richmond. "Jamie isn’t being recognised as an up-and-coming superstar, yet he has played a practice game already, and played very well. "They are different players as well as Tommy, hopefully, will become a power forward. At the moment, St Kilda are trying to make sure that he can get the basics of the game right before we get ahead of ourselves." Walsh has already passed his first test by navigating his way through the first weeks of training without picking up an injury, something which happens to many an Irish recruit unused to the professional training regime. However, Nixon has warned that expectations need to be realistic. "He is nervous. We are all nervous about him playing his first practice game in a few weeks time because he hasn’t played AFL before. People need to be patient and understand that you can’t just click your fingers and instantly become a great AFL player. "Tadhg Kennelly is a fantastic example of someone who has come from Ireland and was able to convert to our game but Tadhg didn’t do it in one week. We have to be patient with Tommy. We will know more about Tommy when he has played one or two practice games," he explained. Should everything go to plan, Walsh will break the mould thanks to his height, bulk, athleticism and talent which could see him feature in the forward line. "I haven’t really seen someone like Tommy come out of Ireland before. Jimmy Stynes probably had a pretty similar build, maybe a bit taller. Most of the Irish that come over have been smaller, powerful, compact type of players. Tadhg Kennelly is your more athletic, skinnier player. "Tommy is the first player that has that size about him, as well as the power and speed. Nobody in the history of the AFL has come from Ireland and played up forward. No one. That tells you what we are dealing with here. "If he can make it, then Tommy has a massive future in front of him but it’s going to be tough. He is at a club that probably has the best forward in the game in Nick Riewoldt so it’s not going to be easy but he is doing everything right at the moment." This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Thursday, January 28, 2010 Read more: www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/afl-agent-nixon-tips-moran-for-return-to-oz-110718.html#ixzz0dtpbP336
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Post by kerrygold on Feb 12, 2010 8:42:44 GMT
St Kilda coach set to hand Walsh AFL debut By Brendan O’Brien Friday, February 12, 2010 ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon has confirmed All-Ireland winner Tommy Walsh will make his AFL debut in the side’s NAB Cup opener with Collingwood next week. The Kerry native has impressed since his arrival to the Melbourne club with the coach confirming his new recruit has already ‘surpassed expectations’. Lyon said: "We’re pretty keen to give him an opportunity. We know he will crash and bash at 196cm and 102kg. "!He is exciting and he really is by definition a first-round athlete. "He has surpassed expectations – where he was from. His ability to kick the ball and really withstand the loads, going from an amateur level to a professional level, he hasn’t missed a session," Lyon said. "(The question is) how quickly we can bring him up to speed with Aussie Rules? He’ll get a look in, probably as a substitute player (in the NAB cup opening round)," concluded Lyon. Meanwhile controversial AFL agent Ricky Nixon has confirmed that the latest trawl for young Irish footballers will take place in Gormanston College in county Meath next month. Twenty-five of the top up-and-coming teenage gaelic footballers are scheduled to attend on March 3 where half a dozen Aussie Rules scouts will run the rule over them. St Kilda, Geelong, Richmond and Western Bulldogs officials are all familiar with the system but they will be joined for the first time by representatives from Fremantle. New expansion team, Western Sydney, has also signalled its intent to come on board for scouting trips later in the year according to Nixon’s Flying Start recruitment agency. The decision to add two new franchises to the AFL, which will bring the number of clubs to 18, has added to the attraction which these shores hold for clubs in the league. A number of high-profile converts to the Aussie game have returned home in recent years, including Martin Clarke of Down, Michael Shields from Cork and Laois’ Colm Begley. However, others took the opposite route in 2009, including Tommy Walsh who signed with St Kilda, Niall McKeever who agreed to join Brisbane, Conor Meredith who has hooked up with the Kangaroos and Jamie O’Reilly who is now on the books with Richmond. "This year’s group of players invited to trial are very exciting," said Nixon. "Players will not only have the opportunity to display their fitness and skills, but they will be provided with AFL specific strength and conditioning programs, skills DVDs and footballs. "This can enhance their prospects of further trials in June and July, and enable them to better present themselves for Gaelic football. "The players are very excited about watching the progress of Walsh, McKeever, O’Reilly and Meredith with the prospects of these players participating in the NAB Cup very high." This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Friday, February 12, 2010 Read more: www.irishexaminer.com/sport/st-kilda-coach-set-to-hand-walsh-afl-debut-111947.html#ixzz0fJEs78c9
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Post by patinkerry on Feb 12, 2010 8:55:07 GMT
Good luck to the lad, I can imagine that his dedication and determination to suceed would be mighty-any way of getting to see his debute? any link?
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Post by patinkerry on Feb 16, 2010 12:11:15 GMT
Walsh makes AFL debut St Kilda's Tommy Walsh 15 February 2010
Former Kerry ace Tommy Walsh made his bow Down Under at the weekend in the colours of AFL side St. Kilda, albeit in a challenge match.
Walsh lined out for the 'possibles' in an intra-club game organised by his club ahead of their opening game of the season this coming Friday against Collingwood.
The former Young Footballer of the Year had a useful workout but his inexperience in the company of more seasoned Aussie Rules clubmates stood out.
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Post by goalswingames on Feb 18, 2010 11:13:18 GMT
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Post by nicoshea on Feb 18, 2010 13:32:32 GMT
Best of Luck Tommy... Hope all goes wel for him
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thepope
Fanatical Member
Posts: 1,285
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Post by thepope on Feb 18, 2010 13:33:22 GMT
still sorry we've lost him, but best of luck to the fella- hope it goes well for him and he gets a successful run-out against Collingwood.
any sports station broadcast the Aussie Rules?
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Post by goalswingames on Feb 18, 2010 16:08:48 GMT
not sure but st kilda have a group on facebook which they update pretty fast... A lot of talk about Tommy on there too.
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k
Full Member
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Post by k on Feb 19, 2010 1:16:55 GMT
Tommy is the most exciting forward talent to come out of kerry since Maurice Fitz in '88 in my eyes. Good though he was, I feel that's a definite exaggeration
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Post by kerryeye on Feb 19, 2010 1:57:39 GMT
Very much an exaggeration ...no way can u overlook the Gooch here!!without doubt the most excitin prospect to come through in that time!
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Post by kerrygold on Feb 19, 2010 10:02:46 GMT
Thats were you guys are sadly mistaken.
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Post by KerryLad on Feb 19, 2010 10:10:02 GMT
Anyway doesn't seem Tommy is in the final panel for the game. Been watching bits of it here at work on the net and no sign of him. Didn't see him listed at the start either as an interchange or whatever they call their subs
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Post by patinkerry on Feb 19, 2010 12:14:15 GMT
Ok this is not about Tommy Walsh but for those interested I thought I would put the below article on here Kennelly and O hAilpín set to clash down under By Daragh O Conchúir Friday, February 19, 2010 TADHG KENNELLY’S last game for Kerry was in the All-Ireland final against Cork at Croke Park and he looks set to renew the Kingdom-Leeside battle in the unlikely surroundings of Sydney’s Blacktown Olympic Park tomorrow. The Listowel man will play his first Aussie Rules match in almost 18 months in the first round of the pre-season NAB Cup. In the opposite corner will be Cork city man, Setanta O hAilpín, who was named in Carlton’s squad for the game and is expected to be picked in the forward division. With Kennelly rated as one of the AFL’s best defenders prior to his brief return to Ireland, the likelihood is that the pair will cross paths at some stage. Kennelly has picked up where he left off since going back to Sydney and the player himself believes he has prolonged his career by virtue of taking a year off. His last season with the Swans had been heavily disrupted by shoulder injuries brought on by wear and tear, but a year away from the rough and tumble of Aussie Rules has enabled his body to recover. Co-captain Craig Bolton is amongst those expressing excitement about Kennelly’s form entering a new campaign. "It’s like he never really went overseas for a year" said Bolton. "So we’re looking forward to having him back there in the backline this week. "I’m sure he’ll be fine and play really well. He’s been really impressive at training, along with Nick Malceski. They’ve been standout performers so far on the training track so we’re looking forward to seeing big things from them in the pre-season." O hAilpín has been the focus of much attention as Carlton supporters wonder where goals will come from following the sacking of Brendan Fevola, the club’s leading scorer for the past seven seasons. The Blues feel that they have plenty of tall men to take up the slack however, with O hAilpín’s improved form from centre-forward last term placing him in the mix. The former young hurler of the year has also benefited from an injury free run-up to the campaign for the first time in many years and will be hoping to keep Kennelly and co on the back foot tomorrow. This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Friday, February 19, 2010 Read more: www.examiner.ie/sport/gaa/kennelly-and-o-hailpin-set-to-clash-down-under-112514.html#ixzz0fz1boTVy
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thepope
Fanatical Member
Posts: 1,285
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Post by thepope on Feb 19, 2010 12:52:09 GMT
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Post by Seoirse Ui Duic on Feb 19, 2010 13:50:57 GMT
writing an article for a Dutch magazine at the moment on Tadhg. If anyone's able to read Dutch I'd be happy to post it. If not, I won't.
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Post by the1theyalllove on Feb 19, 2010 14:37:43 GMT
Anyway doesn't seem Tommy is in the final panel for the game. Been watching bits of it here at work on the net and no sign of him. Didn't see him listed at the start either as an interchange or whatever they call their subs G Kerrylad you have a fine job .......
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Post by KerryLad on Feb 19, 2010 14:48:45 GMT
Anyway doesn't seem Tommy is in the final panel for the game. Been watching bits of it here at work on the net and no sign of him. Didn't see him listed at the start either as an interchange or whatever they call their subs G Kerrylad you have a fine job ....... A fine life even...
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Post by the1theyalllove on Feb 19, 2010 15:07:52 GMT
G Kerrylad you have a fine job ....... A fine life even... and some of us slavaging away ....tut tut tut
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k
Full Member
Posts: 149
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Post by k on Feb 19, 2010 16:48:27 GMT
Thats were you guys are sadly mistaken. So you're seriously suggseting the emerging Tommy Walsh was a more talented footballer and more exciting prospect than the emerging Colm Cooper? Ahead of Declan O'Sullivan? More exciting emergence than Donaghy's in 2006?
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Post by hatchetman on Feb 19, 2010 18:13:59 GMT
writing an article for a Dutch magazine at the moment on Tadhg. If anyone's able to read Dutch I'd be happy to post it. If not, I won't. G'wan, stick it up anyway. Sure it'll probably make more sense than most of your posts! (only joking)
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Post by kerrygold on Feb 19, 2010 21:10:01 GMT
Thats were you guys are sadly mistaken. So you're seriously suggseting the emerging Tommy Walsh was a more talented footballer and more exciting prospect than the emerging Colm Cooper? Ahead of Declan O'Sullivan? More exciting emergence than Donaghy's in 2006? correct
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Post by kerryeye on Feb 19, 2010 22:14:38 GMT
Thats were you guys are sadly mistaken. Why do u believe this KG?in my opinion Gooch has been been the most excitin prospect to come through,followed closely be Declan!
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 20, 2010 10:13:20 GMT
Tommy was substituted against Dublin and many here felt he shouldnt start against Meath or in the final.
He had enormous potential alright.
But Gooch and Declan are in a different class.
Best forward since Sheehy in my book is Gooch
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Post by kerrygold on Feb 20, 2010 13:15:38 GMT
Thats were you guys are sadly mistaken. Why do u believe this KG?in my opinion Gooch has been been the most excitin prospect to come through,followed closely be Declan! Analyses Tommy progress from the time he came on as late sub in the minor Munster final of '05 to his outstanding performance in the minor all-ireland final as a midfielder the following season in croker. Very raw to outstanding in two minor seasons. Follows that by becoming a senior panelist the following season and winning a senior all-ireland medal. Raw minor to senior panelist and medal winner in 3 seasons. Following season, outstanding for Kerry at no.15 when Bryan Sheehan picked up an injury. Incredible raw strength for a 20 year old in croker when scoring his goal against Cork in the semi final, combined with speed and skill on the ball. Four seasons from raw minor to becoming a culture no.15 in '09 scoring four of sweetest points your likely to see in croker on final day. When the game was in the melting pot after Cork pulled the lead back to one, Tommy stepped up to the plate and peeled two classic points off the leg peg from both sides to nail the all-ireland final. Extraordinary progress in Tommy's case from raw minor 4 seasons previously. Combined with sheer raw strength and power, explosive speed according to the Aussies in short sprints, strong hands and ball winning ability harnessed to two very powerful and accurate kicking legs had put Tommy in a position to develope into the best inside forward of his generation over the next four or five seasons. Lets not forget his mental strength here also. Tommy had a bit to do with developing the quickness of his feet on the ground while in possession and maybe in seeing more of the picture around him, but that would all come in time. I've no doubt that Tommy would have become a giant of the game by his mid twenties and I'll suggest to you that he would have become a better Kerry forward than Colm, Kieran and Declan. Everything about his progress suggests this to me.
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Post by kerrygold on Feb 20, 2010 13:21:16 GMT
Tommy was substituted against Dublin and many here felt he shouldnt start against Meath or in the final. He had enormous potential alright. But Gooch and Declan are in a different class. Best forward since Sheehy in my book is Gooch Not directing this comment at anyone personally or in particular, but such indifference to Tommy possibly resulted in us not bothering to hold on to him.
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 20, 2010 13:39:03 GMT
Tommy was substituted against Dublin and many here felt he shouldnt start against Meath or in the final. He had enormous potential alright. But Gooch and Declan are in a different class. Best forward since Sheehy in my book is Gooch Not directing this comment at anyone personally or in particular, but such indifference to Tommy possibly resulted in us not bothering to hold on to him. Kerrygold Apart from his tour de force in the final, he didnt have a particularly outstanding year. Thats the point I was making. Have a look at the thread in the lead up to the semi final....... several didnt think he should start...... which alarmed me greatly as I always want a target man at 14. Finally......... how exactly could Kerry have held onto him. I asked you this before and you didnt answer me.
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Post by kerrygold on Feb 20, 2010 13:53:19 GMT
Not directing this comment at anyone personally or in particular, but such indifference to Tommy possibly resulted in us not bothering to hold on to him. Kerrygold Apart from his tour de force in the final, he didnt have a particularly outstanding year. Thats the point I was making. Have a look at the thread in the lead up to the semi final....... several didnt think he should start...... which alarmed me greatly as I always want a target man at 14. Finally......... how exactly could Kerry have held onto him. I asked you this before and you didnt answer me. They also said at various times that the three O Ses when starting out were only on the team because their uncle was manager. The point I'm making is that maybe we didnt appreciate him enough to encourage him to want to stay, theres a suttle difference in what I'm suggesting to what you think I'm saying. I wouldn't have considered Tommy a number fourteen in '09 as you suggested in the role of target man, but as an out and out number 15 as the final subsequently suggested.
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Post by Mickmack on Feb 20, 2010 14:00:53 GMT
So Tommy might have turned down a chance to emulate Tadhg if we appreciated him more and encouraged him to stay.
Maybe you are right but I have my doubts to be honest.
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