His will to win and determination to succeed are what make him different

I WOULD like to congratulate Kieran Donaghy on his retirement from the Kerry football team. He has been a totemic figure for Kerry since he broke into the team in 2006 and has led from the front since. He book ended his career by re-energising an ailing group in 2006 and inspiring a new group in 2018.

Kieran came on the scene as a rangy midfielder, was converted with huge success into a target man full forward and has embraced a variety of roles on the team since. His physical attributes and basketball background meant he was outstanding as the fulcrum of the attack. His biggest asset however is undoubtedly his personality coupled with an unmatched energy. His will to win and determination to succeed are what make him different. He overcame plenty of disappointments to come back better and stronger. A snapshot of the 2014 season epitomised his resilience where he failed to see game time in the All Ireland quarter-final but ended up absolutely central to that All Ireland win.

He has the personality to go into management. He is the ultimate team player, has a strong appreciation of the team dynamic, possesses a great tactical understanding of the game and most importantly is brimming with ideas. I can definitely see him successfully managing Kerry teams in the future.

Duine, peileadóir agus ceannaire ionspioráideach lán do pearsantacht ab ea Kieran. Fear is ea é a thug gach a bhí aige i gcónaí agus geansaí Chiarraí á chaitheamh aige. Guím gach rath air agus ar Hilary, Lola Rose agus Indie.

ÉAMONN FITZMAURICE