Colin O’Riordan won’t be playing for Tipperary again for a while.
O’Riordan, who has starred for his native county in both hurling and football, was long tipped to be a player of major interest among Aussie rules outfits and today it’s been confirmed that the JK Brackens club man has signed a deal with the Sydney Swans.
The county Under 21 star is one of a number of promising GAA players who were at an AFL Combine in Melbourne this week trying to secure a professional contract.
Tipperary's Colin O’Riordan has signed a two-year international rookie contract with Sydney Swans. #rtegaa
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) October 10, 2015
Great news that @SydneySwans have signed Irishman Colin O’Riordan (young Irish Gaelic player of the year) as an International Cat B rookie.
— The Spence (@adambspencer) October 10, 2015
Kilkenny’s Darragh Joyce is also being tipped to sign a deal with an Australian side. There is reported interest in the Rower Inistioge clubman from Sydney Swans, St Kilda, as well as Essendon.
According to RTE O’Riordan is delighted to have signed the deal,
“It’s unreal, it’s a dream come true.”
“I fell in love with Sydney instantly and from the moment I arrived at the club I felt at home as everyone was so welcoming. It hasn’t sunk it yet but when I touch down in Ireland and see my family I’m sure it will.”
Sydney swans coach and recruiting manager Kinnear Beatson has praised O’Riordan”s natural skill as a key reason for his switch
“What struck us the most was how well he kicked the footy – he’s clearly been doing a lot of work on that – and he genuinely looks like an AFL footballer.
“He’s got great skills, takes the ball at the highest point when marking overhead, his work ethic and his competitiveness really shone out in the session he had with us.
“We’re really excited Colin has decided to join the Swans and we know he’s got the attitude and drive to give himself the best possible chance to forge a long and successful career.”
