OVER the course of an 11 year career, Declan O’Sullivan picked up five All-Ireland medals and three All-Stars. He also earned the great distinction of being one of few men to captain Kerry to two All-Irelands.
Here is how the GAA world reacted to the news that Declan O’Sullivan has called time on his inter-county career…
Kerrymen he played alongside were among the first to congratulate Declan on his career.
Congrats Dec O Sull on retirement. For me he has to go down as 1 of the all time greats. An honour to hav soldiered with him.Well done Dec
— Marc Ó Sé (@osemarc2) November 19, 2014
Really sad to see Declan Sull retire, an absolute warrior! True Kerry great and true friend. Lucky to have played with him most of my career
— Bryan Sheehan (@BryanSheehan9) November 19, 2014
One of the greats to wear the green & gold, A true inspiration to so many. Best of luck in retirement. #DeclanOSullivan #Leader #warrior
— Kieran O’Leary (@KieranOLeary87) November 19, 2014
Sad to see Deco call it a day, what a player he’s been for Kerry. One of the best to wear the jersey & most natural leader I’ve ever seen.
— Darran O’Sullivan (@Darransull86) November 19, 2014
And Declan Sullivan has retired. Leader, warrior, the players player. Thanks for the memories. #kerrygaa #GAA @Kerry_Official
— Tommy Griffin (@TommyGriffinBB) November 19, 2014
140 characters would not be enough to describe the respect I have for Declan. He bled green and gold. Led Kerry through many battles. Legend
— Sean O Sullivan (@SeanTheBawn) November 19, 2014
Hundreds of fans also took to their keyboards…
I thought he’d have at least another year. Thanks Declan – “O’Sullivan calls it a day after glittering Kerry career” http://t.co/J6vW3Ct65K
— Maria Brosnan (@brosie8) November 19, 2014
Declan o Sullivan owes nothing to Kerry football! Terrific footballer great leader will go down as a legend of Kerry football!!#legend
— Maurice Murphy (@Mossymnm1) November 19, 2014
There was reaction from inter-county stars outside of Kerry as well…
Pity to Declan O’ Sullivan retire.wat an absolute class footballer.Allways made the game look so easy,an have time on the ball #kerry #class
— Matty Forde (@MattyForde15) November 19, 2014
What a brilliant player Declan O’Sullivan was for @Kerry_Official . Such a natural footballer. #GAA
Best of luck to Declan O’Sullivan in his retirement. The best ball carrier I have ever seen.
— Emmet Bolton (@EmmetBolton) November 19, 2014
— Barry Cahill (@barrycahilldub) November 19, 2014
Football pundits had a few words.
In a quiet Sept dressingroom, Declan O’Sullivan savours a last All-Irl: http://t.co/3wo6rm8pkF pic.twitter.com/ykAzoJqSY5 pic.twitter.com/m03QmUW7xP
— Tony Leen (@tonyleen) November 19, 2014
Declan O’Sullivan has retired from inter-county football. Another Rolls Royce parked #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) November 19, 2014
Declan is one of 6 players to have played 70 championship games or more for Kerry – the other 5 are the 3 O’Sé’s, Gooch & Tom O’Sullivan
— Sylvester Hennessy (@Slyone1069) November 19, 2014
Declan O’Sullivan retires – Kerry must be back in ‘transition’ again. #GAA
— Kevin Coghlan (@kevin_coghlan) November 19, 2014
The GPA and GAA had their say…
A hero for many has retired from inter-county – Declan O’Sullivan epitomised all that is good about the GAA #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/0FrZsmZSlm
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) November 19, 2014
Former All-Ireland SFC winning captain Declan O’Sullivan announces @Kerry_Official retirement http://t.co/9aJw62XHqW pic.twitter.com/x7vZKmVhP2
— The GAA (@officialgaa) November 19, 2014
Famous Kerrymen also had only great things to say
A legend retires! pic.twitter.com/pmOFyKDSIk
— Dáithí Ó Sé (@daithi_ose) November 19, 2014
Two-time all-Ireland winning #Kerry captain Declan O’Sullivan has retired from inter-county football. #laoch @Kerry_Official
— Paschal Sheehy (@PaschalSheehy) November 19, 2014
