9 reasons why Kildare's Johnny Doyle was a Gaelic football great

The Allenwood club man called time on his inter-county career yesterday.

9. He was on the last Kildare team to win the Leinster title back in 2000

Patrick Bolger / INPHO Patrick Bolger / INPHO / INPHO

8. And he’s one of the few Kildare men to captain the county to win silverware in Croke Park

Doyle celebrating the 2012 Division 2 league final victory against Tyrone.

James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

7. He made a brilliant impression on his teammates

The best don't come around too often. Johnny Doyle was one of the very best. It's a sad day for @KildareGAA. What a man and what a career!
— Dermot Earley (@dermotearley) April 6, 2014

Dermot Earley / Twitter

Congrats to Johnny Doyle on a brilliant career a inspiration growing up, a leader on the field and a gentleman off the field. #legend
— Alan Smith (@alansmith631) April 6, 2014

Alan Smith / Twitter

6. While opponents had huge respect for him as well

Johnny Doyle - what a player.Skill, commitment and enormous service for Kildare. Happy retirement. #truegent
— colm cooper (@colmcooper13) April 6, 2014

colm cooper / Twitter

Best wishes to Johnny Doyle in his retirement from football. He was some footballer. #legend #classplayer
— Colm O Neill (@crossbar13) April 6, 2014

Colm O Neill / Twitter

5. He finished top scorer in the championship in 2008 and 2010

Doyle scored 2-26 in 2008 from five games with 0-18 coming from placed balls. Two years later he registered 1-49 for Kildare from eight games with 0-32 arriving from placed balls.

Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

4. He represented his country against Australia last year

INPHO / James Crombie INPHO / James Crombie / James Crombie

3. He won an Allstar award in 2010

Doyle was recognised for the attacking exploits during this campaign and he was selected at wing-forward on the Allstar side.

Pool / INPHO Pool / INPHO / INPHO

2. He survived for 14 seasons in the inter-county senior championship game

2000

Tom Honan / INPHO Tom Honan / INPHO / INPHO

2013

Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

1. And this sums up his incredible longevity as a Gaelic footballer

One amazing stat re Johnny Doyle's career. He played EVERY club championship since 97 and EVERY championship game for Kildare since 2000
— Ronan Sweeney (@Roli100) April 6, 2014

Ronan Sweeney / Twitter