Walsh to return in McGrath Cup

Former All-Ireland-winning Kerry footballer Tommy Walsh makes his return to county football next month.

Walsh, who spent five years in Australia pursing an AFL career, will play in the Kingdom’s McGrath Cup game against IT Tralee on the second weekend of January.

Walsh played 15 times in league and championship for Kerry between 2007 and 2009, scoring 4-23 before inking a deal with St Kilda’s in 2009. Two years later, he transferred to Sydney Swans, where injury blighted his progress.

The 26-year-old’s return comes at a vital time for the champions following last month’s retirement of Declan O’Sullivan.

Meanwhile, five-time All-Ireland winner Marc Ó Sé confirmed via social media that he has no plans to retire. Speaking via Twitter after the launch of the new Kerry jersey, he said: “I will have to give the new jersey a run-out in 2015 and see how it feels.”

When pressed further as to whether he would be looking to overtake his brother Tomás’s championship appearance record, he replied. “I won’t be too worried about his record, but looking forward to a long year hopefully.”

O Sé made his 80th championship appearance in the All-Ireland final against Donegal — just one behind brother Darragh and eight shy of Tomás, who holds the national record of 88 senior championship appearances.

Marc and Colm Cooper are the longest serving members of the Kerry panel; they both made their senior championship debuts in 2002.