Kerry's Darran O'Sullivan has quit his day job in order to focus on regaining his place on Eamonn Fitzmaurice's starting 15.

The 28-year-old has been plagued by injuries in recent times and is leaving no stone unturned as he recovers from a hip operation.

"I left Ulster Bank in November, to concentrate on keeping the body right," O'Sullivan revealed to The Irish Independent.

"It just wasn't suiting me. I was there seven years, had a great time, and learned a lot, but I just couldn't see my future there.

And it just wasn't ideal for getting my body right. I knew I needed to focus more time on it, to rehab."

The former All-Ireland winning captain's decision is sure to add fuel to the debate currently taking place on the demands faced by amateur inter-county players.

"I found it very hard because everything about the GAA now is professional, bar the status. I can't say it's not manageable, because some fellas can manage and do it fine.

"But personally, I'm looking at my football career, I'm 28 now, there aren't too many years left, so I just wanted to get the most out of it.

"Obviously, financially, I have to be cute with the money ... it's fine.You find a way, and so far I'm finding a way. Once I get the body right, and get back playing, it will make a big difference, personally.

"Because last year I found it hard. I was torture for the family, torture for the girlfriend, was moody, and fed up a lot. Mentally, that was draining, and I was going into work and not getting a great kick out of it.

"I enjoyed the people I was working with, but there was no challenge in it for me. I just felt if I kept doing it over again I'd crack."

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