The Longford connection: Tipperary’s Colin O’Riordan is making history in Australia

The former Tipp footballer with a strong Killashee connection has been appointed as the head coach of the Sydney Swans’ AFLW team.

The Killea native is the first ever Irish born head coach in the history of the AFL or AFLW.

The 30-year-old played with the Swans from 2016-2022, returning to win the Munster senior football final with Tipperary in 2020.

O’Riordan has progressed through the coaching ranks in the club following his retirement due to injury, as he was previously the head coach of the Swans male U18 team and AFLW assistant coach.

In a statement from the club, O’Riordan says that he is extremely grateful to be given a chance to take on a more senior coaching role and that he can’t wait to get started.

In the same statement, Sydney Swans Executive General Manager of AFLW Football – Kate Mahony, said O’Riordan was the perfect choice to lead the team going forward.

“After an extensive and thorough recruitment process we feel that Colin has all the attributes to be a successful AFLW Senior Coach, and was the standout choice,” Mahony said.

“Over the past couple of years, he has shown exemplary leadership in his various coaching roles at the club, with his integrity a hallmark of his character. Colin is a well-respected member of the club, and I look forward to seeing what he will bring to the programme.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Colin and his fiancée Louise into the Swans AFLW family.”

Colin has strong ties with Longford, His mother Imelda hails from Begnagh Killashee,  Imelda is married to Michael O'Riordan, Templemore  and has four siblings , namely Sean, Kevin, Stephen and Alan.

Colin is a nephew of Fr Sean Casey PP Killoe, Fr Shay Casey TUS Athlone, Brendan Killashee ,the late Joseph, Kilmore; Harry, Skyrne; Irene Corcoran,   Maynooth; Eileen Tighe, Rooskey; Mai Hanna, Glasson; Deirdre Linders, Dublin.