Kennelly pondering another stint with Kerry footballers

TADHG KENNELLY has opened the door to a sensational return to the Kerry senior football team.

The 30-year-old Listowel native has given his clearest indication yet he is interested in a return to the Kingdom for next year’s championship by admitting he will decide on his future in the next few weeks.

Kennelly has called time on his glittering AFL career with the Sydney Swans and while it was expected he would remain in Australia to possibly pursue either coaching or media roles, the former Kerry All-Ireland winner admits a return to the Kingdom could be on the cards.

“Playing with Kerry is definitely a consideration, but there is an awful lot I have to consider privately and professionally. Where I am going to be in 10 years time? A lot of that will be in this decision I am going to make in the next couple of weeks. I am definitely considering it. I will sit down with my family and close friends and consider it.”

Kennelly returned to Kerry for the 2009 season when he played a huge role in Jack O’Connor’s team winning the All-Ireland, his performance in the final against Cork a stand-out moment.

Kennelly played 197 games for the Sydney Swans in the AFL, famously winning the Premiership in 2005.

Meanwhile, Tyrone manager Mickey Harte last night paid tribute to Brian McGuigan and Philip Jordan, who both announced their retirements from inter-county football. The pair won three All-Ireland medals each in glittering careers which spanned a decade.

“I have found both players to be great gentlemen as well as magnificent sportsmen,” said Harte.

“Tyrone will miss their energy and class on the field. hey have contributed so much to Tyrone’s most successful decade ever”.