Awesome news for the GAA and Irish sport today as one of the most exciting young talents in gaelic games, Ciarán Kilkenny, has swore off the nice salary, incredible climate, beautiful women and permatan of Australia and decided to come back to dear dirty Dublin. He hardly left to start his career with Hawthorn before he decided that he'd rather stay in Ireland. "I’ve come to realise also that although I enjoy the game of Australian Rules football, it could never replace the satisfaction I get from the round ball or a sliotar," Kilkenny said.
Full statement.
Statement on behalf of Ciarán Kilkenny
January 10, 2013
“I have decided not to pursue my career in Australian Rules football any further and have informed the Hawthorn club of my decision.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience in Australia and am extremely grateful to Hawthorn for providing me with the opportunity to experience life as a
professional athlete in a wonderful country. The professionalism of the club was exemplary and they always made me feel very welcome.
“However, seeing Australia and a different way of life, also served to bring home to me the things that make Ireland so special. Obviously family and friends are important but I also came to really appreciate the things that make Ireland unique such as the people in general, the way of life and of course the GAA.
“As much as I enjoyed the lifestyle of a professional Aussie Rules player and relished the challenge of achieving in a different code, I realised that it would never matter as much to me as the sense of community and joy I get from togging out and playing alongside the people with whom I grew up and live.
“Achieving success and realising my potential as a hurler and footballer with my club and county will always be more important to me than any of the benefits to
be obtained from professional sport.
“It may seem like a short time to spend in Australia but I have always given absolute commitment to any team in which I was involved and I feel it would be unfair on both Hawthorn and myself to continue in a situation where I am not 100% committed and happy in myself.
“I’ve come to realise also that although I enjoy the game of Australian Rules football, it could never replace the satisfaction I get from the round ball or a
sliotar. Sport has always been something I did for enjoyment and I have found that it’s not something I can do merely because it’s my job. The passion I feel for
hurling and football is not transferrable to any other sport and seeing my neighbours and team mates happy when we do well is reward enough.
“Going to live in Australia was never something I felt I had to do. I always said however that if I didn’t go I might have doubts or questions later on in life but having spent some time there now I’m happy that that those doubts and questions will not arise. Now I’m looking forward to getting back involved in what I feel truly passionate about, hurling and football with my club, and seeing where that takes me.
“I will be making no further comment at this juncture and would appreciate if people would understand and respect this position.
“Ní glaise iad na cnoic i bhfad uainn i gcónaí!”
-ENDS-
