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!’
Statement from Tim Murphy Chairman of Kerry County Committee
Kieran’s retirement today brings an end to the inter county playing career of one of Kerry’s greatest servants.
His leadership on and off the field was extremely important over the last year in particular as a lot of younger players were integrated into the panel for the first time.
He acted as a mentor and confidant to many of these new players and has successfully helped them understand what it really means to be a Kerry footballer.
Kieran was an inspirational player for his fellow team mates and supporters alike. His capacity to get our supporters behind the team on match day was unparalleled as was evidenced in many a crucial match for the County.
His performances during 2014 were heroic and memorable culminating in an exceptional individual performance in the final against Donegal.
Kieran was always happy to advise and encourage everyone and undoubtedly has left the team, the County and the famed Kerry jersey in a better place.
On behalf of all Kerry folk at home and abroad I wish Kieran, his wife Hillary and their children all the very best in the future.
Statement from Éamonn Fitzmaurice, former Kerry Senior Football Manager
I would like to congratulate Kieran Donaghy on his retirement from the Kerry senior football team. He has been a totemic figure for Kerry since he broke into the team in 2006 and has lead from the front since. He book ended his career by re-energising an ailing group in 2006 and inspiring a new group in 2018.
Kieran came on the scene as a rangy midfielder, was converted with huge success into a target man full forward and has embraced a variety of roles on the team since. His physical attributes and basketball background meant he was outstanding as the fulcrum of the attack. His biggest asset however is undoubtedly his personality coupled with an unmatched energy. His will to win and determination to succeed are what make him different. He overcame plenty of disappointments to come back better and stronger. A snapshot of the 2014 season epitomised his resilience where he failed to see game time in the All Ireland quarter final but ended up absolutely central to that All Ireland win.
He has the personality to go into management. He is the ultimate team player, has a strong appreciation of the team dynamic, possesses a great tactical understanding of the game and most importantly is brimming with ideas. I can definitely see him successfully managing Kerry teams in the future.
Duine, peileadóir agus ceannaire ionspioráideach lán do pearsantacht ab ea Kieran. Fear is ea é a thug gach a bhí aige i gcónaí agus geansaí Chiarraí á chaitheamh aige. Guím gach rath air agus ar Hilary, Lola Rose agus Indie.
Statement from Jack O’Connor, former Kerry Senior Football Manager
Kieran will be fondly remembered by Supporters, Management & Players. He revolutionized our fortunes against Longford in 2006. Kieran missed the replay against Cork and was back for the Longford game. In the 4 games before Longford, we scored no goal and in the next 4 games we scored 11 goals! We scored 4 goals against Longford and Kieran was involved in all 4, such was his influence. Kieran provided us with a new focus.
He had a brilliant combination of size, strength, agility and great hands. His basketball knowledge and skill played a huge part in his game.
Kieran had an infectious enthusiasm and proved a hard man for any defence. His temperament was ideal and he was a real team player.
Bomber Liston was a central feature of Mick O’Dwyer’s great team and I would say that Kieran Donnaghy is the same category as the Bomber and he undoubtedly was the ‘Bomber’ of our team.
I really enjoyed working with Kieran and I wish Kieran and his family all the best for the future.
By kristinagunn Tue 11th Sep
