Darran O’Sullivan admits he quit bank job to focus on getting fit for Kerry

Kerry’s Darran O’Sullivan admits he quit his job so he could concentrate on saving his football career.

The former All Star struggled with a series of injuries in the last 18 months and was a peripheral figure in the Kingdom’s All-Ireland Championship winning season.

O’Sullivan, now an ambassador for Sky Sports, felt he had no option but to devote himself fully to returning to fitness.

“I left Ulster Bank in November to concentrate on keeping the body right,” the Glenbeigh-Glencar forward explained. “It just wasn’t suiting me. I had a great time there and learned a lot but I just couldn’t see my future there.

“And it just wasn’t ideal for getting my body right. I knew I needed to focus more time on it. I’m doing a bit with Sky Sports which is great for the mind. It’s keeping me sane!”

The four-time All-Ireland winner underwent surgery in England to correct a long standing hip problem.

“The surgeon in Coventry said the problem could be common in Gaelic football because of the way we’re constantly bending down to pick up the ball and hunched over when we’re getting hit.

“Players are also getting bigger and stronger, so when we’re getting hit in that position we’re even more vulnerable.

“Some people are better than others at (combining working and playing). I found it very hard because everything about the GAA now is professional, bar the status. I can’t say it’s not manageable because some fellas can manage and do it fine, but personally I’m looking at my football career. I’m 28 now. There aren’t too many years left so I just wanted to get the most out of it.”

O’Sullivan accepts his personal circumstances will change but feels the long-term rewards will make it worthwhile.

“Obviously financially I have to be cute with the money. I’m not going out for too many dinners or anything like that. But it’s fine, you find a way. Once I get the body right and get back playing it will make a big difference because last year I found it hard. It was torture for the family, torture for my girlfriend. I was moody and fed up a lot. Mentally that was draining and I was going into work and not getting a great kick out of it.

“I enjoyed the people I was working with, but there was no challenge in it for me. I just felt if I kept doing it I’d crack.”