Kerry's Ó Sé retires
Kerry's outstanding wing back Tomás Ó Sé, a five-time All-Ireland SFC winner, has decided to retire from senior inter-county football at the age of 35.
Ó Sé announced his retirement on his former team-mate Dara Ó Cinnéide's programme on 'Raidió na Gaeltachta' today, bringing to an end a fantastic 15-year career in the famous green and gold jersey of his county.
The Ah Ghaeltacht clubman burst onto the scene in the mid to late-1990s and has been able to maintain a very high and consistent level of performance throughout, his strength and pace a notable factor in seeing him become a dominant ever-present force in the Kerry defence.
Under the management of his uncle Paidí, Tomás made his senior Championship debut in the full-back line against Cork in 1998 alongside Barry O’Shea and Stephen Stack, and went on to play a record 88 Championship matches for Kerry, scoring an amazing 3-35 in the process.
A winner of the 2009 Footballer of the Year award during the Kingdom's last All-Ireland-winning campaign, his powerful runs out of defence were of huge importance to Kerry in big games and more often than not he weighed in with a trademark point just when they needed a lift.
Whilst winning nine Munster titles and three Allianz League crowns, the fiercely-committed Ó Sé continued to be influential for his county in latter years and it looks like he might go down the management road after hanging up his boots - he is due to coach the UCC fresher football panel for the 2013/14 season.
Commenting on the Ventry native's retirement, Kerry GAA Chairman Patrick O'Sullivan said: "To say that Tomás Ó Sé will be a huge loss to the Kerry senior football team is an understatement. The number 5 jersey, which he made his own for so many years, will be very difficult to fill.
"He is the longest serving inter-county player, and not alone that, his honours in the game are a proud record of commitment to Kerry.
"I thank Tomás for all the joy and entertainment he gave us down through his years as a player. We will miss those bursts of speed out of defence and needless to say, many of his opposing inter county forwards will be relieved that they don't have Tomás Ó Sé to worry about any longer!
"On reading through the list of his achievements, we realise the extent of his unquestioned ability, character and talent as player. What is not listed here is the extent of the leadership he gave on the field.
"There are no medals to honour leadership, but the leadership that Tomás Ó Sé has given to his fellow team members on numerous occasions down through the years will be impossible to replace. We wish him, and his family, the very best in the future."
Kerry's current manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice also spoke glowingly of his former team-mate, remarking: "On behalf of the players and management, I would like to congratulate Tomás O Sé on his retirement. He had a fantastic honour-laden career.
"In many ways Tomás epitomised everything that Kerry football is all about. His commitment, determination and never say die attitude were plainly visible every time he took to the pitch.
"He was a warrior. He also had a game-changing ability and instinctively knew when one of his trademark bursts from defence culminating in a score was required.
"His fitness levels have always been astounding. He trained ferociously hard and really enjoyed the challenge of getting himself ready for the big Championship days. These were the days that he enjoyed most. The days that defined him. The days when he always performed."
Fitzmaurice added: "From a personal point of view he was a great team-mate and a dream to manage. He was a huge presence in our dressing room. In team meetings he always spoke well. He consistently had something new and relevant to contribute.
"He was an outstanding example to our younger players this season. He has passed the baton on to them and clearly displayed the characteristics and standards required by a Kerry footballer. He showed them the Kerry way.
"Tomás was the best wing back that I have seen play the game. Deireadh ré is ea é. N'fheadar an mbeidh a leithéid arís ann? Go néirí go geal leis amach anseo."
