Glenn Ryan: Hard work, fun and achievement - why we'll always remember Micko in Kildare

He might have reached greater heights with the Kingdom but when he came to Kildare we were on our knees - and it was some adventure.

THE MISSION: Kildare manager Mick O'Dwyer with team captain Glenn Ryan at a Kildare senior football squad training session at St Conleth's Park in Newbridge. Pic: David Maher/Sportsfile

I have heard people say Micko was an out-and-out football man and nothing else mattered to him. That all he was interested in was what could you give him.

I can categorically say that wasn’t the case. In 2002, Kildare were down on a training camp in Waterville. I was 29 at the time and my ankle injury just wasn’t improving. Halfway through the session, I had to come off the field. I went up to the far end of the field, waited until everybody drove away afterwards and bawled my eyes out.