Advertisement
©INPHO/James Crombie
Key to the Kingdom

O'Sullivan was 'the ultimate corner-back', says Murphy

Former Kerry keeper leads the praise after Tom O’Sullivan confirms his retirement from inter-county football.

KERRY SELECTOR DIARMUID MURPHY has led the tributes to Tom O’Sullivan following his decision to retire from inter-county football.

The Rathmore defender won five All-Ireland medals and two All-Star awards during a brilliant career with the Kingdom, but informed Jack O’Connor last week that he would not be returning to the panel this summer.

Kerry open the defence of their Munster title on 27 May against Tipperary and Murphy, who won four All-Irelands in goal behind O’Sullivan, feels that the 33-year-old’s experience will be sorely missed.

“He’s been a great player for us down through the years and has played many great games for Kerry,” Murphy told GAA.ie. “He was one of the stalwarts of the team for the last 12 to 13 years and will be a huge loss to us, of course.”

He was a very tight man-marker as well when he had to be, so he was the ultimate corner-back. He had that number four position down to a fine art. I was lucky to play with him.

VIDEO: Munster championship takes off in Mallow

Two debutants in Galway side to face Roscommon