Former Kerry boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice has predicted a bright future for Kieran Donaghy in inter-county management.

The four-time All-Ireland winner brought the curtain down on his illustrious career after 69 championship appearances over a 14 year period yesterday and Fitzmaurice, who recently stepped down from the Kingdom hot-seat, commented: “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.”

Jack O’Connor recalled the impact the Austin Stacks clubman, who would go on to be crowned 'Footballer of the Year', had on their 2006 All-Ireland winning campaign.

“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 Donaghy is in 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.”

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