ONE of the last remaining links with Kerry’s 2014 All-Ireland winning team has retired from inter-county football.
Popular Darran O’Sullivan said it’s a day he never wanted to come and it is with “massive sadness” that he is moving on.
“I’ve been extremely blessed to have had a career I could never have dreamed of,” he added.
Darran (32) entered the Kerry senior dressing room during the winter of 2004, straight out of minors, and since then, he has pulled the green and gold jersey on for 70 championship appearances, as well as having the opportunity to captain Kerry to All Ireland glory.
“To my team-mates, who I was lucky enough to play with, I want to thank you all for the memories we made and the bond that we created inside the dressing room.
“To say this was the greatest period of my life, is putting it mildly, I loved every minute of it and I wouldn’t change anything – the successes were well celebrated and the disappointments were mourned together,” Darran said.
He added: “There’s nothing more powerful than a dressing room united pulling in the same direction and that’s what I will miss the most. However, the highlight is that I am leaving that same dressing room with incredible friendship which I know will stand the test of time”.
He said during his 14-year involvement he got to play under former team-mates and some of his idols and he was always encouraged to express himself on the pitch.
“Every management team had their own style but the one constant was always a huge love and respect for the traditions of Kerry football and it’s something that filtered into everyone in the dressing room.
“I didn’t want to single anyone out but I do want to thank Jack O’Connor who placed huge faith in me by bringing me straight in from minors and handing me my debut in the 2005 All-Ireland final,” he said.
Darran also thanked the Kerry fans who, he noted, demanded the best.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, we didn’t deliver but I’m very confident with your continued support that success is on the horizon again. Nothing will replace the feeling I got when I would hear you all erupt as we entered the field. I look forward to joining you and cheering on the next generation to glory,” he said.
He also thanked his Glenbeigh-Glencar club for the great support and he is looking forward to wearing the red and black on a more regular basis for another few years to come.
He praised the support and patience he received from his parents and two sisters and he thanked his wife, Laura, for her love, patience and support
“Laura, spending more time with you is the only thing that has made this decision a little easier. I’m grateful that as the curtain closes behind this chapter in our lives, we leave with incredible memories and friends for life. Finally, I look forward to welcoming our first child into the world in November and starting the most exciting chapter of our lives together,” he added.
“I just want to say it has been an incredible journey. I’m lucky enough to have played with and against some of the best players and teams of this or any generation. I’ve made memories and friends that will last a lifetime and I can’t ask for much more than that,” Darran said.
“The greatest honour you can have is pulling on that green and gold jersey and the pride that washes over you as it rests on your shoulders,” he said.
DARRAN’S DAYS
4 All-Ireland Senior Football medals (2006, 2007, 2009, 2014)
3 National League medals (2006, 2009, 2017)
8 Munster Senior medals (2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
1 Munster Minor medal (2004)
1 County Senior Football Championship (2008)
1 Sigerson Cup medal with DIT (2013)
1 All-Star Award (2011)
2 McGrath Cups (2011, 2013)
© KillarneyToday.com: Advertise with us: Over 300,000 views every month. Over 20,000 followers on Facebook. Call 087-2229761
