Former Tipperary star Colin O’Riordan is the new head coach of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy

Templemore native Colin O’Riordan has been appointed Head Coach of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

The former Tipperary star moved down under to play with the Sydney Swans player and following ongoing hip injuries he retired at the end of the 2022 season.

Originally signed in 2015 when he was playing gaelic football for Tipperary, the rookie progressed and O’Riordan made his AFL debut three years later in Round 17, 2018 against North Melbourne.

In that time he played 34 games for the club and has build a life for himself in the city by the sea. 

He won the 2021 Best Clubman Award at the club and he has taken his determination and drive to an impressive new level on the coaching field by all accounts. 

This season he learned his trade, working with their AFLW side, and has been praised and complimented for his role in their ascent to their first-ever finals appearance.

Famously, the former JK Brackens footballer and hurler travelled back in 2020 for the intercounty football championship, and played a key role for Tipperary against Cork in that year's Munster football final win over Cork at Pairc Ui Chaoimh. 

Since taking on his new role the club praised his efforts and adaptability. O’Riordan starts his new role immediately and said he is hugely excited about the opportunity.