The Sydney Swans announced on Monday that Tipperary native Colin O'Riordan will retire from AFL action at the end of the season. It's said that a "recent hip injury" is "the catalyst for the decision".
The 26-year-old O'Riordan calls time on his career having played 34 games for the Swans. He signed as a rookie in 2015, and made his AFL debut three years later. He has made just five appearances during what has been an injury hit 2022 season.
Hip injury forces Colin O'Riordan AFL retirement
"Since arriving at the club, Colin has been one of the most popular members of our playing group and he will be sorely missed,” said Swans executive general manager Charlie Gardiner.
"It really is an incredible achievement to move to Australia from Ireland, learn a new game and forge a successful AFL career and Colin has been able to do just that."
22 November 2020; Colin O'Riordan and Steven O'Brien of Tipperary celebrate after the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship Final match between Cork and Tipperary at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
O'Riordan won an All-Ireland minor football title in 2011 before going onto play both U21 and senior football for the county. He also played hurling at U21 level.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he returned to Ireland to play football with Tipperary, winning a Munster Championship with victory over Cork, and also playing a part as the county lost to Mayo in an All-Ireland semi-final.
Breaking: Colin O’Riordan (26) to bring 7 year AFL career to an end this season.
-persistent hip injury major factor behind decision
— 34 AFL appearances & voted Clubman of Year 2021
-likely to stay in Sydney for now
-playing top level sport since All-Ireland minor win at 15— Damian Lawlor (@LawlorDamian) August 29, 2022
RTÉ report that O'Riordan is not expected to make a return to Ireland immediately, and will instead remain in Australia for the foreseeable future.
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