Hard to commit to series, says Kennelly

THE Irish recession has made it very difficult for GAA players to commit to the International Rules series, according to former Kerry footballer Tadhg Kennelly.

The 30-year-old former Sydney Swans AFL star, who linked up with the Ireland International Rules team in Australia, sympathises with the plight of GAA players who have to work to earn a living.

Kennelly believes the fear of losing their jobs is a valid reason for many GAA players to pass up the opportunity to travel to Australia to take part in the International Rules two-test series, which kicks off in Melbourne this Friday.

“It’s very hard for people at home. These footballers are amateurs,” Kennelly said.

“The problem is trying to hold on to a job in Ireland at the moment. To try to get three weeks off work to come out to Australia to play a game, it’s very, very difficult for players to come out and leave a job at home.

“It’s huge. A lot of these blokes are leaving work not knowing whether they can go back to a job or not. The country really has suffered.”

After his successful All-Ireland winning season with Kerry in 09,Kennelly left an Ireland in recession to return to Sydney, where he was amazed at the difference between the countries.

“I went back in 2009 and played for a year. When I came back to Australia, I was thinking the recession had hit Sydney as well,” Kennelly said.

“It was like a different planet. I couldn’t believe how the economy was booming and everything was going great.

“It’s extremely difficult for these [Irish] players to leave. That’s I suppose the commitment that they’ve got to play for their country. It’s a great occasion for Irish footballers.”

Meanwhile, the former Kerry footballer has defended Australia’s team selection that saw them name just two 2011 All-Australian players, Stephen Milne and James Kelly, in their 23-man panel.

“The Australian team is selected to match the game and that’s the big problem,” Kennelly explained.

“That’s the way it’s got to be, otherwise the Irish would run away with it. And that’s the honest truth. You pick teams and pick players who are going to match the game, and that’s what’s been good about it because it’s going to be an even contest.”