HE was one of the toughest defenders the game has ever seen – and one of the most energetic dancers the county has ever produced.
Stalwart Kerry defender, Aidan O’Mahony (36) has today called time on his long and honours laden inter-county career.
The Rathmore clubman, winner of five All-Ireland senior medals, made his championship debut in the green and gold in 2004 against Clare and went on to play 70 championship games for his county in a career spanning 14 years. He played 85 League games for the county and O’Mahony endeared himself to the Kingdom’s supporters down through the years with his total commitment to the green and gold jersey.
A Garda based in Tralee, he said he feels the time is now appropriate to step away from the Kerry team.
“I leave having great respect for all the talented players I have shared my footballing career with. I am extremely grateful for all the support my teammates gave me down through the years and I have made friendships for life,” he said.
O’Mahony added that it was an honour to share the dressing room with such brilliant players throughout the last 14 years with Kerry.
“I have utmost respect for every player I have played against as we all put on our county colours with a common goal in mind.
Kerry manager, Eamon Fitzmaurice, remarked: “Aidan was an incredible servant to Kerry and gave everything he had to the cause over a career that stretches back to the 2003 season.”
He added: “He was ferociously proud of representing Kerry and this was clear every time he put on the green and gold”.
Fitzmaurice said O’Mahony has played in every defensive position for Kerry and performed every role to distinction, from man marker to attacking half back, from holding centre back to sweeper.
“He was the ultimate pro in terms of the way he prepared himself for training and matches on and off the field,” the manager said.
He said the Rathmore man was a driving force in the gym and on the pitch.
“He took pride in excelling at any physical work. Throughout his career he defied western medicine when returning from injury. He pushed himself to the limit and beyond to get back as quickly as possible.
“For the medical team trying to hold him back as he fought to return to play was like trying to keep the tide out.”
O’MAHONY FACTFILE
Club: Rathmore
Born: 8 June 1980
Height: 6ft
Weight: 13 stone
Championship Debut: v Clare 2004
Championship Appearances: 70
Championship Scores: 0-11
Occupation: Garda
1st League game for Kerry: v Cork 2004
League Appearances: 85 (Scored 1-9)
U21 experience with Kerry: 2001
Honours Won: 5 All Ireland Senior Football medals (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2014).
3 National League Medals 2004, 2006, 2009.
8 Munster Senior Football Championships 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.
1 County U21 Football Championship 1999.
1 County Intermediate Championship 1999.
1 County Junior Championship 1998.
1 Kerry Club Championship 2011
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