All the best in retirement Kieran. One of the greatest full forwards of time.
Statement from Kieran Donaghy
Today I wish to announce my retirement from the Kerry Senior Football team. The journey has been full of ups and downs but I never wanted it to end. It has surpassed even my wildest dreams, that a basketball kid from Tralee would end up playing 69 times in the championship over a 14 year period for the famous Green and Gold.
To every one of my Kerry teammates who I was lucky enough to have played with, I thank you for your patience, help and advice during those years. I'm blessed to have had the time of my life with you boys fighting on my back trying to win games for Kerry. We had some tough times, such is life but the wonderful stories and memories we shared will stick with me forever.
To get the opportunity to soldier with and against some of the greatest players of all time is something I will always treasure.
During my career I have been lucky enough to work with some great Kerry managers and their respective management teams. They took a chance on me, believed in me in massive high-pressure situations. They gave me the confidence to develop my game which allowed me to perform on the biggest of occasions for Kerry .
I would like to thank the Kerry County Board along with our sponsors Kerry Group, backroom staff and medical teams for their constant help and guidance throughout my career. Your unbelievable work is not seen by many but it's massively appreciated by the team and by me.
A huge thank you to the loyal Kerry fans who traveled far and wide to watch and support us. We love football in this county and while there is a pressure to perform we always embrace it. We need to get behind this young team we will have next year, so get the flags out and get to the games to support the boys.
I would also like to thank all the supporters who live abroad but continue their love and support of Kerry.
I would like to thank my club Austin Stacks, everything I achieved is a direct result of the help and guidance ye gave me from an early age. To represent this great club is always a massive privilege and our county championship win in 2014 gave me the ultimate honour the following season. To be captain of a county like Kerry is something I'm extremely proud to have accomplished.
To my family, without you none of this would have been possible. Mom, I am forever grateful to you for believing in me and showing me how to be a good person first and foremost.
To my wife Hilary, you're all that I could ask for, thank you so much for always putting me first during my career , we have had so many wonderful experiences together throughout this journey and made life long friends along the way I can't wait to start the next exciting chapter together with Lola-Rose & Indie.
To the rest of my family, thank you for your support and always having my back.
I'm a proud Kerry man and to have represented this county meant absolutely everything to me. As the great John B Keane once said, 'I'm one lucky hoor!'
Kieran was a class act, loved his attitude, competitive as hell, but more importantly love his footballing ability, had a brilliant footballing brain. His style was unique, I think most loved his and Kerrys way of using him by making the beautiful game simple.
He will be missed, an interesting character on and off the field, maximised his talent. He will be a good media presence, met him in his current work role, a very positive man. Best of luck!
Happy retirement Kieran.
Made his name against Longford in 2006 in Killarney when he was tried in at full forward to see how he'd get on.
Destroyed us that day and Star was born.
Wish him well...........
Not everyone's cup of tea due to his verbals and attempted intimidation of referees but was a superb player and one many teams would have liked on their side
One of the greatest Kerry footballers of the last 30 years. Brilliant competitor and very dangerous. Enjoy
Won't be the last we will hear of him. Happy retirement and an example to loads of players how to maximise the gifts you have and of the need to slog it out. He arguably could have had cause to retire every year since 2013.
I brought him in to speak to TY students last year and the word back from everyone was that his enthusiasm was infectious
I'll miss the sense of anticipation as a long diagonal ball goes into him knowing there's a good chance he'll either catch it or break it to a teammate.
Sure, he did plenty of talking on the field but he backed it up.
Anytime I heard him speaking he came across as a very genuine & honest chap who didn't take himself too seriously.
The game will miss him.
All he did to back it up was catch the ball and be on a good team. There's players up and down the country who could have done what he did if given the same opportunities. Limited footballer and unlimited gob.
I'm not going to pretend I like or respect him because he's retiring.
Always been a big fan of Donaghy. Massive player in every sense - really enjoyed his book also if any of you haven't read it give it a go, you'll find a new found respect for a legend of the game.
Quote from: Syferus on September 11, 2018, 11:23:32 AM
All he did to back it up was catch the ball and be on a good team. There's players up and down the country who could have done what he did I'd give the same opportunities. Limited footballer and unlimited gob.
I'm not going to pretend I like or respect him because he's retiring.
Would you think Kerry would have won 2006 or 2014 without him .
He wasn't whier than white and never pretended yo be but very few backs could ever manage him which is s fair testament to ability.
And he is seriously good company off field in my limited exposure......
One of the finest exponents of the old style full forward play I have ever seen. As someone who played that position most of my career it was great to see how he was able to play the game and make the players around him better by his unselfish team play and simplicity of his game. He was always 2-3 seconds faster in his head then the man marking him and when you're like that it looks like you actually don't do much but he had the ball won and simple pass away before the Full back even knew. A lot of that came too from his work on the basketball court and I remember speaking to a basketball coach friend of mine who did regular 1-1 work with him and he said he was always looking for the extra edge in both games.
Enjoy the time off Star....don't think it will be long till you're back in somewhere!
Quote from: Syferus on September 11, 2018, 11:23:32 AM
I'm not going to pretend I like or respect him because he's retiring.
I'd say he's gutted now.
Good player - good luck to him
That poem he wrote was an awful load of auld shite though
The most decorated Tyrone footballer in history I imagine
Quote from: seafoid on September 11, 2018, 01:34:13 PM
The most decorated Tyrone footballer in history I imagine
Kerry footballer.....
Superb footballer and a tremendous example to everyone in the GAA. His book was a fascinating read and provides an insight into why Kerry are Kerry. They kept after a moody, awkward young basketballer and eventually he blossomend into a STAR. The mentor bringing his gloves to him in the pub after a game when he'd thrown them in the dugout in disgust at how bad he played. People like that are the unsuing heros of the GAA and Donaghy acknowledged that....much as his excellent statement above does the people wound him who helped his career.
Quote from: Taylor on September 11, 2018, 01:40:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 11, 2018, 01:34:13 PM
The most decorated Tyrone footballer in history I imagine
Kerry footballer.....
Ah Jesus... You've just jumped in there too quick.
(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/992/407/776.jpg)
No more than the Bomber Liston, you always felt something could happen around the goalmouth with Star lurking. Allied to his great fielding ability, he had quick hands and awareness. He was also a great striker of the ball. He was also one of the great characters of the GAA and will be missed. His book also rose well above the ghostwritten drivel that passes for GAA books.
Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann
https://youtu.be/ReOwtTzUAZQ
Quote from: Syferus on September 11, 2018, 11:23:32 AM
All he did to back it up was catch the ball and be on a good team. There's players up and down the country who could have done what he did I'd give the same opportunities. Limited footballer and unlimited gob.
I'm not going to pretend I like or respect him because he's retiring.
Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius.
Quote from: trailer on September 11, 2018, 01:51:30 PM
Quote from: Taylor on September 11, 2018, 01:40:09 PM
Quote from: seafoid on September 11, 2018, 01:34:13 PM
The most decorated Tyrone footballer in history I imagine
Kerry footballer.....
Ah Jesus... You've just jumped in there too quick.
(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/992/407/776.jpg)
Yeah I know ;D
Quote from: craicwas90 on September 11, 2018, 03:21:35 PM
Quote from: Syferus on September 11, 2018, 11:23:32 AM
All he did to back it up was catch the ball and be on a good team. There's players up and down the country who could have done what he did I'd give the same opportunities. Limited footballer and unlimited gob.
I'm not going to pretend I like or respect him because he's retiring.
Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius.
Eejiteen embarrasses us once again. :-[
Quote from: Syferus on September 11, 2018, 11:23:32 AM
All he did to back it up was catch the ball and be on a good team. There's players up and down the country who could have done what he did I'd give the same opportunities. Limited footballer and unlimited gob.
I'm not going to pretend I like or respect him because he's retiring.
Pure Clockwork Sy 8) A few bites already 8) Job Done 8)
Fantastic player. A menace around the square.
Always found him over-rated. Possibly the worst player to ever win PoTY. Bit of a soft touch too.
This thread is also serving another purpose - validating and updating my ignore list.
Quote from: Therealdonald on September 11, 2018, 04:23:13 PM
Always found him over-rated. Possibly the worst player to ever win PoTY. Bit of a soft touch too.
Nonsense was well able to play ball. His quick hands and unselfish play set up many scores for his team mates.
Quote from: Syferus on September 11, 2018, 11:23:32 AM
All he did to back it up was catch the ball and be on a good team. There's players up and down the country who could have done what he did if given the same opportunities. Limited footballer and unlimited gob.
I'm not going to pretend I like or respect him because he's retiring.
LOL 😂 the greatest 14 of all time.
Anyone who doesn't understand how good he was ......
Honestly his hands were unreal , it wasn't just his fielding he had such a grip on the size five , animal of a 14 . Very effective for Kerry in 06 and of course 14 when we just couldn't cope with him when he came in . Aido showed him up in 17 semi in fairness .
There is one thing I notice in these Kerry boys is they are very proud of where they are from , think that is wonderful thing to have.
Quote from: kerryforsam2018 on September 11, 2018, 05:07:13 PM
Quote from: Therealdonald on September 11, 2018, 04:23:13 PM
Always found him over-rated. Possibly the worst player to ever win PoTY. Bit of a soft touch too.
Nonsense was well able to play ball. His quick hands and unselfish play set up many scores for his team mates.
I think he was over appreciated as he was a complete media darling. Comparing him to truly great 14s is ridiculous. He couldn't lace the Bomber, McGuigan, Corkery, Murphy or even Ronan Clarkes boots.
Quote from: larryin89 on September 11, 2018, 05:27:41 PM
Anyone who doesn't understand how good he was ......
Honestly his hands were unreal , it wasn't just his fielding he had such a grip on the size five , animal of a 14 . Very effective for Kerry in 06 and of course 14 when we just couldn't cope with him when he came in . Aido showed him up in 17 semi in fairness .
There is one thing I notice in these Kerry boys is they are very proud of where they are from , think that is wonderful thing to have.
They realise they're carrying on a tradition and appreciate the responsibility that is. And they embrace it.
As for "Aido showing him up" - I'm afraid you might want to review the games again, certainly the first day.
Quote from: larryin89 on September 11, 2018, 05:27:41 PM
Anyone who doesn't understand how good he was ......
Honestly his hands were unreal , it wasn't just his fielding he had such a grip on the size five , animal of a 14 . Very effective for Kerry in 06 and of course 14 when we just couldn't cope with him when he came in . Aido showed him up in 17 semi in fairness .
There is one thing I notice in these Kerry boys is they are very proud of where they are from , think that is wonderful thing to have.
People from other counties are proud of where they come from too. It's not just a Kerry thing.
One of the last few characters of the game gone. Not only had he a great pair hands but his big arse was very useful to hold onto the ball. Happy retirement Kieran.
Quote from: BennyCake on September 11, 2018, 05:39:10 PM
Quote from: larryin89 on September 11, 2018, 05:27:41 PM
Anyone who doesn't understand how good he was ......
Honestly his hands were unreal , it wasn't just his fielding he had such a grip on the size five , animal of a 14 . Very effective for Kerry in 06 and of course 14 when we just couldn't cope with him when he came in . Aido showed him up in 17 semi in fairness .
There is one thing I notice in these Kerry boys is they are very proud of where they are from , think that is wonderful thing to have.
People from other counties are proud of where they come from too. It's not just a Kerry thing.
Some counties just have more to be proud of. Lucky hoor, indeed.
Not the most gifted footballer in terms of raw talent but he more than made up for it with sheer effectiveness.
Kerry would only have won half of those All-Irelands between 06-14 had it not been for him, changed the face of gaelic football with the goal v Armagh which ended the Kerry Ulster hoodoo.
There hasn't been a player who has impacted the game as much as him in the last 20 years. Kept Kerry hegemony alive in the noughties, reworked the long ball strategy into the 21st century game, almost single-handed deprived Mayo of the '14 All Ireland championship.
Personally I really hated him, he was mouthy, a bit cynical and kept alive a Kerry threat that was waning until his arrival but you have to seriously respect the greatness of him. Had he stayed in Tyrone I'd have worshiped the ground he walked on.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on September 11, 2018, 12:22:32 PM
One of the finest exponents of the old style full forward play I have ever seen. As someone who played that position most of my career it was great to see how he was able to play the game and make the players around him better by his unselfish team play and simplicity of his game. He was always 2-3 seconds faster in his head then the man marking him and when you're like that it looks like you actually don't do much but he had the ball won and simple pass away before the Full back even knew. A lot of that came too from his work on the basketball court and I remember speaking to a basketball coach friend of mine who did regular 1-1 work with him and he said he was always looking for the extra edge in both games.
Enjoy the time off Star....don't think it will be long till you're back in somewhere!
Would agree with that. One of my favourite players to watch.
Savage player the sort of fella any team would want to see thundering out of their dressing room. He had unreal vision too, could pick out a player in half a second. Can still remember him getting ready to come on in 2014 and knowing he was going to be trouble. Couple Mayo supporters behind me saying he was finished, gobshites, he sickened our holes that day and the next day for sure da bollix. Almost did enough in the first match last year to see us off too.
Quote from: weareros on September 11, 2018, 05:50:21 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on September 11, 2018, 05:39:10 PM
Quote from: larryin89 on September 11, 2018, 05:27:41 PM
Anyone who doesn't understand how good he was ......
Honestly his hands were unreal , it wasn't just his fielding he had such a grip on the size five , animal of a 14 . Very effective for Kerry in 06 and of course 14 when we just couldn't cope with him when he came in . Aido showed him up in 17 semi in fairness .
There is one thing I notice in these Kerry boys is they are very proud of where they are from , think that is wonderful thing to have.
People from other counties are proud of where they come from too. It's not just a Kerry thing.
Some counties just have more to be proud of. Lucky hoor, indeed.
Weird way to look at things.
Great player! Always struck me as the kind of player that would do what ever he had to, to get his team over the line. Always the victim in any tussle. He was hard to watch from this perspective from a Partisan or Neutral view point of view.
Kerry would not have won their AI title without him or Cormac Reilly in 2014.
Was some operator in his prime... serious competitor and was always looking to bring the finishers around him into play... The right time to go...