Doyle finishes on his terms

Last Sunday evening, after beating Westmeath, Johnny Doyle told his Kildare team-mates he was retiring and that he wanted them to make him regret his decision by winning the Leinster championship.

It was an emotional moment at the end of a 14-year county career that may not have been entirely trophy laden but was more noteworthy for the amount of neutrals who praised his special talents.

Another difficult moment came on the local KFM radio station yesterday afternoon when, during a remarkable 90-minute tribute programme, his mother spoke of her pride in his achievements.