Well having been lucky enough to have watched a phenomenal Kerry group of players over the last 20 years, without a doubt in my opinion Declan was the very finest of them all. He had could kick sublime scores off either feet, had pace in his prime, vision and could play in any position and would of walked on to any team in the country in the last 20 years. The man had it all!!

Enjoy the retirement Dec ...... A true great and gentleman of the game!

Ciarrai Abu (Overseas) - Posts: 1050 - 19/11/2014 08:35:33    1673227

Was a great player surely. Always felt his best position was centre forward but he was moved around a lot. If he was kept at centre forward he would be talked of as one of the all time greats.

tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 1105 - 19/11/2014 09:19:52    1673239

The best player of the 00's class act loved watching him play at his peak making them great solo runs through teams and kicking great points off either foot, he peaked in 09 and cause of injuries and mileage he was never the same player the last 5 years, all the best Declan in your retirement you are easily up there with the Kerry greats.

clondalkindub (Dublin) - Posts: 9926 - 19/11/2014 09:47:25    1673254

Class act. He may not have done the business consistently over a long number of years like the likes of the Gooch and the O'Se's did..but his best was better than any Kerry player including those I mentioned IMO.

ConnollyDub (Dublin) - Posts: 2007 - 19/11/2014 09:59:37    1673258

This retirement comes as a shock...echo everyone else's views so far. A true great.

GetOverTheBar (Tyrone) - Posts: 1388 - 19/11/2014 10:11:40    1673263

I've been watching and playing ball for many years and I have never seen a 40 yard man like him, his best asset was his strength on the ball, he was very very hard to disposes once in possession. I always felt that his companionship with Galvin on the field two was unique, they both appeared to bring the best out of each other.

One class class player still think even though he was in the twilight of his career the display against Cork this year was one of his ever best I a Kerry jersey. Thanks Declan I had man great weekends in Cork and Dublin because of you and that great team of the mid 2000's

Horsebox77 (Kerry) - Posts: 5491 - 19/11/2014 10:13:54    1673265

A classy player.

I echo everything my West Dublin friend has said as he summed it up very well.

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13705 - 19/11/2014 10:14:32    1673267

One of the greats. 5 All Ireland Medals & Double All Ireland winning captain, says it all really.

pdempsey (Mayo) - Posts: 1313 - 19/11/2014 10:15:47    1673268

I have seen Declan perform so well in many matches over the years but this year his performance at the Munster final this year really stood out. For me, it was his finest. He was everywhere linking in play and driving the team on. His energy, skill , vision and orchestration of play was awesome that day. The fact that he performed so well despite his injuries just reinforced to me that Declan still had evident hunger to win and to lead and drive the younger members of the team to win. Declan was really inspirational. I know James O Donogjue got MOTM that day but for me, it was Declan. Walking out of Pairc Ui C I knew Kerry had enough to win the AI. He has a lot of operations and rehab ahead of him; I wish him speedy recovery and many many thanks for the great memories.

kerrykerry (Kerry) - Posts: 1779 - 19/11/2014 10:24:49    1673273

Great player, obviously injuries haven taken its toil. I was surprised to see he's only won 3 All Stars especially considering the amount of AI finals he's played in.

TheWestIsAwake (UK) - Posts: 529 - 19/11/2014 11:20:35    1673291

My favourite Kerry player of last 10-15 years.Graceful on the ball.Stylish solo and slaloming run.Like S O Neill,could kick expertly off both feet.Makes my best 15 since ive been watching football.Easily.Pity to hear hes hung up the boots.Father Time has caught up with another great.

cuederocket (Dublin) - Posts: 5084 - 19/11/2014 11:30:01    1673296

A true great, sad to see him retire. All the talks is about Gooch, O'Se's,etc but he was always my favourite Kerry player. One player I would have loved to have been from Tyrone.

tir_eoghain_abu (Tyrone) - Posts: 773 - 19/11/2014 11:34:49    1673297

He was a very unselfish player as well I felt, always did whatever was best for the team. He had the class to be kicking big scores everyday but often settled for doing the less glamorous stuff because it was what the team needed. Was a joy to watch and will be missed next summer.

Soma (UK) - Posts: 2630 - 19/11/2014 11:35:21    1673299

An absolute legend, he had one of the sweetest left boots I've probably ever seen.

PeadarC (Westmeath) - Posts: 2 - 19/11/2014 11:41:48    1673302

Personally I don't think this is the end. I expect to see him in a Kerry jersey again. Certainly, players tend to give more commitment now than ever. However, guys like Declan O'Sullivan can buy some time off. Take a year and a half off. Fix yourself up a bit. Come back in August 2016 (when the championship begins anyway). Play three matches. Pass Croke Park. Collect your sixth medal. Its simple.

This does not work for the vast majority of players. D O'S is not any auld player though.

bennybunny (Cork) - Posts: 3917 - 19/11/2014 11:50:06    1673307

The best all-round Kerry footballer for about 15 years. Outstanding player. I hope his knees are ok and don't trouble him for years to come.

icehonesty (Wexford) - Posts: 2550 - 19/11/2014 12:30:36    1673324

Paidi described him as a piece of gold and that's exactly what he was/is.
I understand he is in his early 30s but he has played
at the very highest level since completing his leaving cert.
I really will miss the opportunity to shout "take him on Declan" as he almost always did and always went past his man.
Declan is a legend and thank you for the memories.
Enjoy your time with your young family.

westkerry (Kerry) - Posts: 1250 - 19/11/2014 12:35:00    1673328

Easily my favourite player of all time. Literally nothing he couldn't do. 2 footed, brilliant ball carrier, rarely hit wides, had such a sound football brain and scored the most ridiculous points you're likely to see. What was so unique about his scores was that they'd take forever to drop over the bar as he used to get serious height on them. #NeverForget his performance in the semi vs ourselves in 07. Single handily won that game in the 2nd half(with a bit of help from Cluxton) for Kerry ~PHS

Pope_has_spoken (Dublin) - Posts: 138 - 19/11/2014 12:57:14    1673335

Another great hangs them up, super player!!!

realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8586 - 19/11/2014 13:00:53    1673337

I didn't expect Declan to retire and I'm devestated , he is a super footballer and a complete gentleman off the field , enjoy your retirement Declan and thanks for the memories.

KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 14092 - 19/11/2014 13:31:22    1673354