Kerry manager Jack O'Connor has hailed Tom O'Sullivan as one of the best defenders of his generation.

The Rathmore clubman, who won five All-Ireland medals during a glittering 13-year career with the Kingdom, has decided not to return to the county fold ahead of Kerry's Munster SFC opener against Tipperary on May 27 after sitting out the Allianz League campaign.

"Tom owes nothing to Kerry football because he has been a great servant over 13 years," O'Connor told The Irish Independent.

"I met him around Christmas and knew he was considering his future. He marked all the best left-footed corner-forwards in the country and over his career very few have beaten him.

"He was a great character in the dressing-room, with a dry sense of humour. He would test your patience at times but I had great time for him because, when it came to game time, and Tom put his game face on, there was no one better." Tweet

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