As part of a series of interviews with the Kiladangan diaspora dotted around the world, we start off with Rory 'The Bear on the edge of the Square' Whelan who is currently living in Perth, Australia. Rory talks about his memories of the club and how life is treating him in Australia.

1. So, let’s wind the clock back to a time before you left Kiladangan and tell us what your connection was with the Club?

I was late to the hurling scene! I was 5 by the time I picked up a hurl for the first time, as we only moved to the parish in 1996. I attended Carrig N.S and that’s where it all began. I would say my first teacher, Mrs. Mary Flannery, was hugely influential in me developing a love for the game. She was always full of encouragement and dedicated a lot of time to P.E. Surrounded by the likes of Martin Minehan, Jos Fletcher, Joe Gallagher, Fergal Hayes, Michael Quinn, the competition on the school playing field was fierce, and I was hooked. It wasn’t long before I was in the field in Puckane, getting put through my paces by Dan Hackett. That’s where I met who would become my teammates for the next 15+ years. Paraic Kelly, Seanie Hackett, the Gleesons (Eanna & Ruairi) and the late great Kian Hayes. Through the years we spent days/evenings/nights down in the field, pucking around, practicing frees/sidelines, aiming for the hole in the gable end of the clubhouse!! We were quite a successful group under our gaffa Eamon Kelly; this further fueled a passion for the club/game. If I wasn’t in the field in Puckane, I was in the Gallagher’s house playing hurling, or getting dinner from Jim & Margaret! Margaret was another huge influence, she drove us everywhere, to every game (even if it wasn’t Kildangan) and always gave us positive feedback even when we had a bad game!! After years of supporting the senior lads and watching them win the All-Ireland Intermediate title, we joined the panel as teenagers. There was no easing us into senior hurling either, we were taught some tough lessons on the field. I had to mark the likes of James Flannery (Monsea) and Liam Kelly in training. James was fond of the dark arts would be one way of describing it! We didn’t have to wait long for success. In 2008 we were part of the panel that won the North Senior Hurling title for the first time in 50 odd years, it was an experience that’ll never be forgotten! What a week! In the years leading up to my exodus, I continued to get battle for a place on the senior panel and assisted in training the next wave of hurlers coming through the club.

Rory and teams mates before the 2004 All Ireland Feile

2. When did you move and what was it like getting settled in and established?

I moved to Perth, Australia in April 2013. My brother Conor was living here for a couple of years at the time. He suggested I joined him in Perth, for a different experience and do a bit of travelling. The original plan was to try it for a year, maybe two and then return home to finish studying. Plans change!

My settling-in period was much easier than a lot of “backpackers’” experiences. I had a mattress on the upstairs landing of my brother’s house, that had about 12 people living in it at the time!! I shared the landing with a Kerryman called Will. The house was beside another house full of Donegal folk. It was certainly a lively set-up. Rarely a dull moment.

I soon set off to do the mandatory ‘regional’ work which is required in Australia to obtain a second-year holiday visa. 6 months slavery on a cotton farm was tough work, but it secured my second-year visa, gave me experiences that’ll stay with me forever, and provided me with nice savings to go travelling with. I didn’t properly settle in Perth until the following January. I did a lot of travelling around Indonesia and Australia, and a big Christmas at home before returning to Perth.

When I returned to Perth, I got a job as a manager in a busy Irish Bar (typical I know) in the heart of Perth CBD and received visa sponsorship to remain in the country for a few more years. Still there today – except we’re closed down due to the global situation!

3. Can you briefly describe to us your life now, work, family (if any) and have you time to be involved in GAA activities?

Sadly, life hasn’t gone to plan as I still haven’t managed to get casted on Home & Away. But life is good in Perth. It’s quite an easy-going place, relaxed pace which suits me! I live about 10 minutes outside the city, 5 minutes from the beach with my girlfriend Alax, from New Zealand. I normally work Wed-Sun, usually long days and late nights.

Unfortunately, I’m not able to be involved with any of the GAA over here, as the GAA is usually on during our busiest periods in work. Annoying, but I have taken up soccer over here instead. Obviously not my natural sport, but I’m involved with a newly formed player ran club, Emerald F.C, that consists of a great bunch of lads, Irish, English, Ozzy, and we have been very successful in the last few years, getting promoted 5 out of the last 6 seasons. I never thought I would enjoy soccer as much as I have during my time with the club. It’ll never be as good as hurling, but it’s something.

Rory and his Emerald FC team mates celebrate

4. Looking back again at your time in Kiladangan, what would be your prominent memory of being around the GAA field in Puckane?

Definitely pucks with the lads. We spent a huge amount of time in that field, just chatting, hitting high balls up between us, taking shots of whoever’s in goals trying to perfect the topspin! Also great memories of the victory laps around Puckane hanging out of car windows after winning titles.

5. We’ll assume you manage to get back ‘home’ for the odd family reunion, holiday etc, can we ask what do you look forward to the most?

Seeing family & friends is what I look forward to the most. Seems like an obvious answer, but when your living abroad, you really know what you miss most.

Other than that, it’s a hot chicken roll from Centra & a few pucks in the field. A cold evening with the fire lighting aswel.

6. Tell us a little bit more about your life away from Kiladangan, for instance, what’s your weekly routine, how do you attack the weekend, and what’s a holiday from where you currently live?

I spend my spare time going for walks up the coast, or beach or parks with herself, or playing 5 a side. My weekend mornings, I travel far & wide looking for the best eggs benedict around!! I have declared myself a connoisseur of hollandaise! A lot of free evenings are spend trying out new food venues or breweries. There is a huge food/drink industry over here. We also like to treat ourselves to the Gold Lounge in the cinema, which is a fancy cinema experience. It’s a cinema room restricted to 20 patrons, you get a reclining chair, and you can order food, desserts & drink to be delivered during the movie. It’s very enjoyable!

The rare occasion I get a bit of time off, I usually try go on a trip somewhere outside Perth. There’s plenty of wine regions around us so we’re not stuck for choice.. Usually a holiday for me is back home for a wedding! I just recently got back from a holiday in New Zealand (would highly recommend). We rented a camper van and travelled from the South Island to the North Island stopping at different places along the way. It was some of the most scenic driving I’ve ever experienced. Beautiful country.

Quick holidays for us would be over to Melbourne to see friends. Bali/Jakarta is a handy holiday for us here aswel. It’s cheap & close and has plenty of activities for whatever type of holiday you’re in the mood for.

Rory with his girlfriend Alax in Albany, Western Australia

7. Finally, do you have a message to send home to Kiladangan?

Firstly - Hopefully everyone’s staying safe & healthy during these difficult times.

For the club - Stay doing what you’re doing!! Since I left the club has gone from strength to strength! I’m always keeping an eye on fixtures & results and it has been a hugely impressive past decade. It’s great to see all the senior players putting so much of their own time into developing the juvenile teams and the rewards are paying off. The new clubhouse looks top notch too, so well done to everyone involved. With the work people are putting in and the talent in the club, I’ve no doubt that further success is coming soon. I always have great pride telling people my club when asked.

8. Who is your favourite Kiladangan player, past and present?

Tough question! I won’t say any present players as it would only give them a big head!

Dermie Hogan – could do incredible things

Dan Hackett – inspirational leader

Tommy Connors

9. Have you any funny memories/stories from your time involved with Kiladangan, be it whilst playing, supporting etc.

After winning the 2008 North Final, we were getting a guard of honor & a bagpipe escort into McGrath’s. One of the funniest memories that will ever stay with me will be a certain someone picking up the parish priest at the time and jumping around with him!! Won’t name names for obvious reasons, but it was an incredible sight!!

And a few random questions to finish:

10. If there was a transfer market in hurling, who would you buy for Kiladangan?

TJ Reid

11. Name any 4 people (dead or alive) that you would invite to dinner?

Barrack Obama

Donnacha O’ Callaghan

Freddie Flintoff

Peter Crouch

12. What’s your favourite sporting moment of all time?

General – Ronan O'Gara's dropgoal against Wales to win the Grand Slam in 2009.

Kiladangan - winning the North Senior Hurling title in 2008.

If you want to take part in our 'Kiladangan Abroad' interviews then please whatsapp Michael on 087 254 8583.