Kieran Donaghy considering Kerry future

Kieran Donaghy revealed he is seriously considering his future as a Kerry footballer.

The 32-year old said injuries are beginning to take their toll after 11-years operating at inter-county level and he is also questioning whether he can still significantly contribute to the Kingdom set-up.

“I do not want to put a timeframe on my decision on whether to give it one more year with Kerry. I want to make the right decision and not to regret it in the future,” he told Kerry’s Eye.

“Right now the major consideration for me is what is best for my family and I. I will be 33 next year, my body has taken a fair old battering, my back in particular has given me constant trouble, but I am starting to pick up other injuries like muscle tears which I never suffered before.

“Another consideration is whether I can still make a meaningful contribution to the team. “If it was an easy decision to walk away I would have done it by now but it’s not an easy decision. It will hit me one of these days, ‘yes I want to help Kerry to try and win the 2016 All Ireland final or ‘I have a great career and I have been a lucky sod to be a Kerry footballer, it’s time now for the younger players to get their chance.”

Failing to garner a starting berth in the All-Ireland final, the Kerry captain believes the correct team was picked against Dublin.

“I knew personally I was ready to make an impact if played from the start, but on the form shown in training and on the form shown by the likes of Paul Geaney in the semi-final against Tyrone, I could see why management went for the starting 15 that they did. The right full-forward line was picked on form and I had to show leadership qualities off the field and support the lads playing.

“I wanted to lead Kerry and the players I have soldiered with and to be denied that opportunity was and is something I have to deal with.”

He added: “Declan O’Sullivan told me after his experience with Dromid that I should take a break after the club campaign, but I wanted to captain Kerry and make the most of the year. Did I make a mistake back then? Probably. With hindsight, I should have taken a break but we were playing Dublin in the league in Killarney and it was a massive honour to captain Kerry against Dublin.

“I’d be the first to admit I was disappointed with my form in 2015. I am a confidence player and for some reason this year that confidence was not there.”