O'Riordan joins Sydney Swans
October 10, 2015
Tipperary's Colin O'Riordan and Maurice O'Gorman of Waterford. INPHO
Tipperary's Colin O'Riordan has put pen to paper on a two-year international rookie contract with Sydney Swans.
The JK Brackens clubman will follow in the footsteps of Tadhg Kennedy after impressing at the AFL Draft Combine in Melbourne this weekend.
"It's unreal, it's a dream come true," O'Riordan, who will celebrate his 20th birthday by travelling home on Monday, told rte.ie.
"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's recruiting manager Kinnear Beatson explained why he was eager to secure the 2014 Young Footballer of the Year's signature.
"Colin came to the club early this week for a trial and had a training session with members of our academy where he instantly impressed us.
"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."
Meanwhile, Kilkenny minor hurling captain Darragh Joyce is confident of landing a club.
"I'm out here to do business and get a contract," the 18-year-old said. "I've had interviews with the Swans, St Kilda, Essendon, Brisbane and the Bulldogs, so there has been a bit of interest.
"That's the whole reason I'm out here, because if a contract weren't on the cards I wouldn't be out here. I've put college on hold to come out here and chase a dream."
