THOMAS Grimes, an All-Ireland under-21 hurling championship medal winner with Limerick in 2017, featured with Benalla All Blacks against Bright in the AFL (Australian Football League) Grand Final in Victoria at the weekend.
The former Na Piarsaigh ace – who was at number seven in the 0-17 to 0-11 final defeat of Kilkenny in ‘17 – only moved Down Under earlier this year but quickly found a new sporting love.
“It’s similar to the GAA in many ways,” the teacher told sportsjoe.ie. “It’s something different, you’re probably expanding your skill-set too in terms of how you think about sport. It’s something I wanted to do since I came over so now that I’ve got the chance, I’m delighted to see what it’s like.”
He continued: “The club have their own song, ‘Pantherland,’ so after every game, everyone gathers in around and there’s a big sing-song.”
“It’s that kind of an atmosphere. You wouldn’t be celebrating every game back home like that in the GAA, but they see every game as a bit of a celebration.”
Benalla were beaten in the decider.
