Castleknock chairman thrilled by Kilkenny’s Oz U-turn

Ciarán Kilkenny’s decision to stay in Ireland will ultimately be proved a correct one, according to his club chairman.

Kilkenny was due to fly back out to Australia today to continue pre-season training with AFL side Hawthorn but instead released a statement yesterday saying he will remain in Ireland to pursue his GAA career with Castleknock and Dublin.

“It’s a massive boost for the club,” says chairman Tutty. “We’re facing into the All-Ireland junior football semi-final [against Kenmare Shamrocks] on January 27 in Mitchelstown so we didn’t think we had Ciarán because he was due to go back to Australia [today]. We’re delighted with the news and we’re hopeful he’ll be available for that game.”