Kerry stalwart Aidan O'Mahony has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
A five-time All-Ireland winner, the 36-year-old played his last match for the county in Kerry's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Dublin last year. O'Mahony made his Championship debut in 2004, and was part of the Kerry team for the past 14 seasons.
In a statement released on Monday morning, O'Mahony confirmed his time in Kerry colours had come to an end, but he was to still play for his club Rathmore.
"It’s been an absolute honour for me to wear the green and gold jersey for Kerry for the past 14 years at senior level and I leave having great respect for all the talented players I have shared my footballing career with. I am extremely grateful for all the support my teammates gave me down through the years and I have made friendships for life."
"I have been incredibly fortunate to represent my Club (Rathmore), County, Province and Country over the years. It was an honour to share the dressing room with such brilliant players throughout the last 14 years with Kerry. I have utmost respect for every player whom I have played against as we all put on our county colours with a common goal in mind."
Kerry's Aidan O'Mahony lifts the Sam Maguire in 2014. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice, also played with O'Mahony at inter-county level. He praised the defender's contribution to football in the country for over the past decade.
"He led by example and was a driving force in the gym and on the pitch. He took pride in excelling at any physical work. Throughout his career he defied western medicine when returning from injury. He pushed himself to the limit and beyond to get back as quickly as possible. For the medical team trying to hold him back as he fought to return to play was like trying to keep the tide out."
"His leadership was of particular importance in the last few years as a lot of younger players have been integrated into the panel. He passed on the baton and helped these players to understand what it means to be a Kerry footballer. Honesty underpinned everything he did and his selflessness manifested itself in the way he was happy to advise and encourage everyone, even the players he was in direct competition with for a position; a rarity. He personified leaving the jersey in a better place."
O'Mahony's inter-county career ends with five All-Ireland medals, eight Munster Championships, three National Leagues and two All-Star awards.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
