Noel O'Leary: Hanging up the boots, the John Evans factor and the religious nature of football in Cill na Marta

As bitter as it was to lose a county premier intermediate semi-final after extra-time to eventual winners Kanturk last year, Noel O'Leary, a stalwart of almost 25 seasons, realised he wasn’t needed anymore. He spoke to John Fogarty.

SIDELINE DUTIES: Noel O'Leary of Cill na Martra during his final year togging off for his club. Pic: Denis Boyle

IT WAS IN defeat that Noel O’Leary knew Cill na Martra were ready. Ready to take the next step and ready for him to say goodbye.

As bitter as it was to lose a county premier intermediate semi-final after extra-time to eventual winners Kanturk, their then 40-year-old full-back, a stalwart of almost 25 seasons, realised he wasn’t needed anymore.