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AIDAN O’MAHONY ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT FROM INTERCOUNTY FOOTBALL

Stalwart Kerry defender, Aidan O’Mahony, has today called time on his long and honours laden intercounty career.

The Rathmore Clubman, winner of five All Ireland senior medals, made his championship debut in the green and gold in 2004 against Clare and went on to play 70 championship games for his county in a career spanning fourteen years the last of which was in the pulsating All Ireland semi final against Dublin back in August of last year. In addition he played 85 League games for the county.

O’Mahony endeared himself to the Kingdom’s supporters down through the years with his total commitment to the green and gold jersey and will be another familiar face missing when Kerry commence the new season in earnest in two weeks time.

Statement by Aidan O’Mahony

Today I would like to announce my retirement. I feel the time is now appropriate for me to step away from the Kerry team.

It’s been an absolute honour for me to wear the green and gold jersey for Kerry for the past 14 years at senior level and I leave having great respect for all the talented players I have shared my footballing career with. I am extremely grateful for all the support my teammates gave me down through the years and I have made friendships for life.

I have been incredibly fortunate to represent my Club (Rathmore), County, Province and Country over the years. It was an honour to share the dressing room with such brilliant players throughout the last 14 years with Kerry. I have utmost respect for every player whom I have played against as we all put on our county colours with a common goal in mind.

I would like to thank the managers whom I have trained under with Kerry from Minor and Under 21 to Senior level. I will be forever appreciative for the belief you have all shown in me.

Thanks to the Kerry supporters who travel far and wide every year for both League and Championship.

I would like to thank An Garda Sióchana for their consistent support in facilitating my involvement with the Kerry team.

Finally, I would like to thank my family for their encouragement and ongoing support over the years.

Today is the beginning of something new!!!

Statement from Kerry Senior Football Manager – Eamonn Fitzmaurice

On behalf of the management and players I would like to congratulate Aidan O’Mahony on his retirement from the Kerry senior football team. Aidan was an incredible servant to Kerry and gave everything he had to the cause over a career that stretches back to the 2003 season when he was first brought into the squad by Paidí (Ó Sé). He was ferociously proud of representing Kerry and this was clear every time he put on the Green and Gold.

When Jack (O’Connor) took over in 2004 Aidan got his opportunity early in the League and he did not leave go of that jersey afterwards. He ended up winning the first of 5 All Ireland medals the following September. He has won it all in terms of individual and collective honours. Over the years he has played in every defensive position for Kerry and performed every role to distinction from man marker to attacking half back, from a holding centre back to a sweeper in recent years. He was the ultimate pro in terms of the way he prepared himself for training and matches on and off the field.

He led by example and was a driving force in the gym and on the pitch. He took pride in excelling at any physical work. Throughout his career he defied western medicine when returning from injury. He pushed himself to the limit and beyond to get back as quickly as possible. For the medical team trying to hold him back as he fought to return to play was like trying to keep the tide out.

His leadership was of particular importance in the last few years as a lot of younger players have been integrated into the panel. He passed on the baton and helped these players to understand what it means to be a Kerry footballer. Honesty underpinned everything he did and his selflessness manifested itself in the way he was happy to advise and encourage everyone, even the players he was in direct competition with for a position; a rarity. He personified leaving the jersey in a better place.

Aidan was a warrior for Kerry right up until the last minute of his last game for Kerry last August. I wish him and Denise all the best for the future.

Statement by the Chairman of Kerry County Committee, Tim Murphy

Aidan’s retirement today marks the end of one of the most exciting and fruitful careers in Gaelic Football in our Countie’s history.

Having made 70 Championship appearances the Rathmore Clubman made his senior debut against Clare in 2004. 12 years on he holds 5 All Ireland Senior Championships, 3 National League medals and 2 All Star Awards.

Aidan was an uncompromising defender whose performances on the field of play rallied both team mates and supporters alike. His personality and character is such that he assumed a natural leadership role on the team and always led by example.

On behalf of all Kerry supporters at home and abroad I wish Aidan and his family all the very best for the future – I have no doubt that his legacy will endure for many years to come inspiring both the current and future generations of our County.

Statement by former Kerry Manager Jack O’Connor

When I took over as Kerry senior manager in 2004 it was fairly obvious to me that we needed to go in a new direction. Kerry had been bullied by the likes of Tyrone, Armagh and Meath three years in a row so we needed a new harder edge if we were to compete at the top table. Aidan O’Mahony fitted that bill perfectly. He was teak tough and fearless. The tougher it was, the better he liked it. The likes of himself and Paul Galvin set the tone early on that year in our two battles in the Munster championship with Limerick. He often sailed close to the wind but that was the only way he knew how to play. Aidan had a great temperament for the big day and he marked some of the best forwards in the country over the years. Even in 2005 when Tyrone beat us in the final he more than held his own against Steven O’Neill who won player of the year. His aggression and never say die attitude was an inspiration to those around him. To be still playing at the very top at 36 years of age is truly remarkable in this day and age and is a tribute to the physical shape he kept himself in. In an era when many players are finished at 30, Aidan has defied the odds. He is one of the last links to the team of 2004. Now only Gooch remains.

Aidan was a real warrior on the battlefield and he will be badly missed. However he has left behind a great legacy in the passion he showed while wearing the green and gold.

Thanks for the memories Aidan!

Statement on behalf of Rathmore GAA Club

On the occasion of Aidan’s retirement from Inter County football, we in Rathmore GAA Club, wish to congratulate him and to thank him, for all he has achieved, including 5 All-Ireland medals and a plethora of other awards. Throughout all his time with Kerry he has remained absolutely loyal to his Club, and he always brought the same drive and intensity to Rathmore games that were his hallmark in the inter-county scene.

Making his Kerry debut in 2004, he and Tom O’Sullivan gave us some great days out, annexing 4 All-Irelands in the noughties, and in the company of Paul Murphy he won his 5th in 2014.

He has been a superb leader on and off the pitch and through his example, he showed all younger players exactly what the Green + Gold jersey stands for. We wish himself and Denise all the best in the future, and we hope to see him donning the Red & White of Rathmore for a good while yet.

Thanks for the memories Aidan.

Donal Murphy – Chairman Rathmore GAA Club.

Aidan O’Mahony – The Profile

Club: Rathmore

DOB: 8/6/80

Height: 6ft

Weight: 13 stone

Championship Debut: V Clare 2004

Championship Appearances: 70

Championship Scores: 0-11

Occupation: Garda

1^st League game for Kerry: V Cork 2004