Despite the hangover, Seymour’s Keith Roche is feeling good about his first country footy premiership.
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The Irishman was a key part of the Lions’ reserve side that defeated Echuca in Sunday’s GVFL reserves grand final.
It’s been a whirlwind journey for Roche, who only picked up a Sherrin in April last year.
Roche began talking to Janine and Glen Cole about the possibility of moving from his hometown of Ballymun, Dublin to Seymour for a working holiday and a taste of country footy.
“I had no plans to travel but once I got talking to Janine and Glen, it happened pretty quickly,” Roche said.
“A little more than a year ago I was working in Ireland and now here I am with a premiership medal.”
Roche said running onto the field at a packed Deakin Reserve was an experience he would never forget.
“I was pretty calm before the game, but it all hit me when I got out there,” he said.
“The massive crowd and the amazing atmosphere was something else.
“And then to experience all that and go on to win the game was more than I could have asked for.
“The passion country people have for local footy is amazing. The way the town rallies around the football team is very special.”
Roche is working on a local farm to fulfill the requirements of his working holiday visa and said he was keen for another season with the Lions.
“Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive of me,” he said.
“I owe a massive thank you to Janine and Glen for helping me get here and taking me in once I was here.
“And thanks to everyone at the club and in the local community for welcoming me in. I couldn’t have asked for a better reception.
“I’m keen to get back to it next season and hopefully win another flag.”
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