Brilliant and exciting news coming out of Tipperary GAA this evening and indeed the AFL down under. Former Tipperary footballer Colin O’Riordan has landed himself a new role as the head coach of Sydney Swans ladies team.
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BREAKING: The word from Sydney tonight is that Tipperary man @colin_oriordan will be confirmed as the new @SydneySwansAFLW Head Coach for 2026 season. The Tipp man retired from playing in 2022 due to continuing injuries but has been developing as a club within the Swans since. pic.twitter.com/kIY8n9M7nA
— Pádraig Ó Maolchathaigh (@PaMulSport) December 16, 2025
‘A huge honour’ … Colin O’Riordan makes history with his appointment as Sydney Swans’ new AFLW head coach https://t.co/dWjO9Kslm4
— Irish Independent Sport (@IndoSport) December 17, 2025
Good luck to Colin O’Riordan who is now the first Irish man to be head coach of an AFL side. An incredible achievement and just goes to show the respect they have for the former Tipperary footballer.
“Ever since I arrived at the Sydney Swans as a player I fell in love with the place, so to be trusted with the role as AFLW Senior Coach is a huge honour,” said O’Riordan.
“I have a lot of faith in the current playing list and I think we have the foundations of a successful team.
“I’m extremely grateful that the club has given me the chance to take on a more senior coaching role and I can’t wait to get started.”