Donegal footballer Tanya Kennedy has signed for the Sydney Swans ahead of the 2023 AFLW season.
Robert Emmet's clubwoman Kennedy (30) migrated to Australia in 2012, where she played Gaelic football club for Clanna Gael in Sydney. Kennedy then took a punt on Aussie rules, joining the Inner West Magpies for a season.
“I am so excited to have been given this opportunity, and I’m going to take it with both hands,” a beaming Kennedy said.
“My very first AFL match was a Swans game at the SCG, and I immediately fell in love with this club. Never did I think I would be playing for them though, it’s surreal.”
Tipperary footballer Colin O’Riordan (27) who was nominated for a 2021 Allstar award, retired from the AFL last year after breaking down with a chronic hip problem.
Templemore-born O’Riordan, who returned to Ireland in 2020 to help his native county to win their first Munster title for nearly nine decades, is assisting the Swans AFLW programme this year,
Kennedy said: “It’s nice to see other Irish girls around the club too, and Colin (O’Riordan), it feels like a home away from home.”
The Swans executive GM of Football – AFLW, Kate Mahony, believes that securing Kennedy’s signature is a coup for her club.
“I am thrilled to welcome Tanya to the Bloods family,” says Mahony.
“Tanya first caught the eye of our Teams Defence Coach, and fellow Irishman, Colin O’Riordan playing Gaelic football in Sydney.
"An impressive performance in a handful of off-season AFLW games proved she has what it takes to play at the elite level.
“Tanya’s athleticism is second to none. She is a passionate competitor and has proven to possess a hard-work ethic.
"We look forward to seeing her develop in the red and white.”
