Kerry’s Tomás Ó Sé hangs up his boots

After more than 15 years playing senior football for Kerry, Tomás Ó Sé has decided to call it a day with the county.

The 35-year-old, who has won five All-Ireland’s in a glittering inter-county career, made the announcement on RTE’s Raidió na Gaeltachta a short time ago.

Ó Sé, a bother of Darragh and Marc and a nephew of Paidi, made his senior debut in 1998 against Cork.

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Ó Sé looks towards his brother Marc at the end of this year’s semi-final defeat to Dublin, his last appearance in the green and gold of Kerry. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho

He won his first Celtic Cross in 2000, Kerry beating Galway after a replay, and collected further winners medals in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009. Ó Sé also captained his county in 2008 but Kerry lost out in the final to Tyrone.

Ó Sé was selected on five All Star teams and was named the footballer of the year in 2009.

Ó Sé was handed his first Kerry shirt during Paidi Sé’s time in charge, going on to make 88 championship appearances at wing back for the Kingdom. As well as being rock solid in defence, Ó Sé was a constant threat going forward and chipped in with 3-35 in scores.

Ó Sé’s last appearance came in this year’s semi-final against Dublin, a match the defender believes should have been won by Kerry.

“In a way, I feel that we, the players, let Eamonn Fitzmaurice and the management down on the day, as they had every base covered, and that upsets me given the work that everybody involved had put in,” he told Dara Ó Cinnéide on An Saol ó Dheas.

Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice paid tribute to his former teammate this morning, saying: “On behalf of the players and management I would like to congratulate Tomás Ó Sé on his retirement. He had a fantastic honour laden career.

“In many ways Tomás epitomised everything that Kerry football is all about. His commitment, determination and never say die attitude were plainly visible every time he took to the pitch. He was a warrior. He also had a game changing ability and instinctively knew when one of his trademark bursts from defence culminating in a score was required.

“His fitness levels have always been astounding. He trained ferociously hard and really enjoyed the challenge of getting himself ready for the big championship days. These were the days that he enjoyed most. The days that defined him. The days when he always performed.

“From a personal point of view he was a great team mate and a dream to manage. He was a huge presence in our dressing room. In team meetings he always spoke well.

“He consistently had something new and relevant to contribute. He was an outstanding example to our younger players this season. He has passed the baton on to them and clearly displayed the characteristics and standards required by a Kerry footballer. He showed them the Kerry way.

“Tomás was the best wing back that I have seen play the game. Deireadh ré is ea é. N’fheadar an mbeidh a leithéid arís ann? Go néirí go geal leis amach anseo.”

Tomás Ó Sé

Club: An Ghaeltacht
Occupation: Teacher
League debut for Kerry: 1998
Championship debut for Kerry: v Cork 1998
Championship matches: 88
Championship scores: 3-35

Honours

5 All-Irelands Senior Football 2000, 2004, 2006 2007, 2009.
1 All-Ireland under-21.
3 National Leagues 2004, 2007, 2009
9 Munster Senior Football Championships
3 Munster U21 Football Championships
1 Munster Minor Football Championship 1996
1 Munster Senior Club Football Championship 2003
2 County Senior Football Championships 2001, 2003
1 Railway Cup
5 All Star awards, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009
Footballer of the Year 2009