THERE’S MORAN MEETS THE EYE
Kingdom boss hails retiring star David
KERRY manager Jack O’connor says dressingroom ‘father figure’ David Moran will be badly missed.
The 34-year-old midfielder announced his inter-county departure yesterday after 15 seasons.
Despite numerous setbacks throughout his career, including two cruciate injuries and a serious eye problem, Moran persevered with the Kingdom and collected his third All-ireland medal last yeat.
“He was a real leader in the dressing-room and a father figure to the players and they looked up to him,” said O’connor.
“He’s going to be a big loss from the football point of view, but also from a leadership point of view.
“Inter-county football now is pretty much full-on and people have to make family decisions and work decisions.
“He did give it a bit of time over the last couple of weeks, but he just felt he wouldn’t be able to go full out.
“So he’s made the best decision for himself and that’s what you have to do.”
With his club getting to the All-ireland semi-final and Moran producing an excellent display against Kilmacud Crokes, there was hope within Kerry that the two-time All Star would give it one more season.
The Kingdom boss shared that aspiration: “I was a bit hopeful.
“It was in his mind last year to retire and with a bit of cajoling he came back.
“He was very important for us last year at different times. “Look, he’s 34, he’s at it a long time.
“He has to make the decision that’s right for him.” Moran’s absence will be immediately felt on Sunday when the League champions begin their Division One campaign with a tricky trip to Ballybofey.
With fellow midfielders Joe O’connor and Diarmuid O’connor out injured, options are limited in that sector.
Indeed, the Kerry manager will, potentially, only have a third of the starting XV from the All-ireland final available this weekend.
“You could look at it negatively or positively
“But I’d rather say that it’s a big opportunity for players who were around the set-up last year and a couple of new players who came in this year to put their hand up and stake a claim for later, and that’s what you’re hoping.”