KILDARE FOOTBALL HAS lost some bright young talents in recent years to the lure of professional sport.
The AFL has claimed Paddy Brophy and Sean Hurley but the availability of Kevin Feely in 2016 has reversed the trend.
Kevin Feely in possession for Athy during last October's Kildare senior football final Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
The 23-year-old joined Charlton Athletic in 2012 from Bohemians and also spent time at Carlisle United, AFC Wimbledon and Newport County.
Last autumn he drew a line under his English soccer and is sporting focus now is on helping Kildare football.
Already this season he’s nailed down a midfield place on the Kildare team that sits atop of Division 3 of the Allianz football league and was full-back for DCU in the Sigerson Cup final.
Niall Kelly is a clubmate of Feely’s in Athy and is well-versed on his capabilities.
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Kevin Feely (right) in action for Bohemians in 2012 Donall Farmer / INPHO
Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO
“You can’t really fault the lads or have anything against them for heading away.
“It’s a massive opportunity for them. But it’s nice to see someone like Kevin come back.
“I played with him all up along. He’s a massive help. Even his skill and his effect on the pitch is the same. Even more so off the pitch.
“He’s a real leader and lads really listen to him when he talks and I hope he can add something to us this year.
“He came home during our club championship (in 2015), so that would have been the first we heard of it.
Kevin Feely (left) in action for Athy against Sarsfields in last year's Kildare county final Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
“I think it was kind of a spur of the moment thing. I don’t know how things were going in England but I think he thought there would always be something here for him.
“GAA was always part of him.”
Feely has wasted little time in growing accustomed to playing Gaelic football again.
“Even last year, when he came back with the club, he still had his touch and everything,” revealed Kelly.
Niall Kelly (2nd left) at yesterday's launch of the GAA's National 1916 Commemorative Event. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
“It’s just who he is. He was always naturally a good footballer. GAA would always have been on his mind when he was away.
“He might feel that was a chapter that’s closed now and he just wants to move on and get fully focused on football now.”
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Back from English soccer career to focus on Kildare football - 'He's a massive help'
KILDARE FOOTBALL HAS lost some bright young talents in recent years to the lure of professional sport.
The AFL has claimed Paddy Brophy and Sean Hurley but the availability of Kevin Feely in 2016 has reversed the trend.
The 23-year-old joined Charlton Athletic in 2012 from Bohemians and also spent time at Carlisle United, AFC Wimbledon and Newport County.
Last autumn he drew a line under his English soccer and is sporting focus now is on helping Kildare football.
Already this season he’s nailed down a midfield place on the Kildare team that sits atop of Division 3 of the Allianz football league and was full-back for DCU in the Sigerson Cup final.
Niall Kelly is a clubmate of Feely’s in Athy and is well-versed on his capabilities.
“You can’t really fault the lads or have anything against them for heading away.
“It’s a massive opportunity for them. But it’s nice to see someone like Kevin come back.
“I played with him all up along. He’s a massive help. Even his skill and his effect on the pitch is the same. Even more so off the pitch.
“He’s a real leader and lads really listen to him when he talks and I hope he can add something to us this year.
“He came home during our club championship (in 2015), so that would have been the first we heard of it.
“I think it was kind of a spur of the moment thing. I don’t know how things were going in England but I think he thought there would always be something here for him.
“GAA was always part of him.”
Feely has wasted little time in growing accustomed to playing Gaelic football again.
“Even last year, when he came back with the club, he still had his touch and everything,” revealed Kelly.
“It’s just who he is. He was always naturally a good footballer. GAA would always have been on his mind when he was away.
“He might feel that was a chapter that’s closed now and he just wants to move on and get fully focused on football now.”
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