Tag Archives: Donnchadh Walsh

GAA, News, Sport

What Twitter Had To Say About Donnchadh Walsh Retiring From Kerry

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The tributes have been coming thick and fast from his former Kerry teammates and fans since Donnchadh Walsh announced his retirement from inter-county football this morning.

Here’s what people were tweeting about the great Cromane man…

News, Sport

Former Kerry Managers Pay Tribute To Donnchadh Walsh On His Retirement

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Donnachdh Walsh, scores a point against Tyrone in the 2015 All-Ireland semi-final. Photo by Dermot Crean.

FORMER Kerry managers have paid tribute to Donnchadh Walsh who announced his retirement from inter-county football this morning.

Éamonn Fitzmaurice, former Senior Football Manager said the Cromane man has given fantastic service to Kerry over the years.

“I would like to congratulate Donnchadh on his retirement this morning. He has given fantastic service to the Kerry jersey and can retire with his head held high. He is a genuine, honest and intelligent person and was a joy to be involved with on and off the field.

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In my time in charge Donnchadh was our specialist wing forward, always a demanding and dynamic role but in today’s game achieving the balance between working hard for the team while maintaining an offensive threat is a unique skillset.

Donnchadh’s machinelike stamina was a huge asset and he moulded his game to allow him to use it to his and the teams advantage.  He was pivotal to our game-plan in 2014 where all these characteristics were in plain sight. I particularly enjoyed witnessing Donnchadh develop from a quiet personality who went about his business into a leader that drove the standards of the group, leading by example.

The respect within the group for him was absolute and was matched only by the acceptance that marking him in training meant a serious test lay ahead.”

Jack O’Connor, another former Kerry senior manager said;  “Donnchadh was the ultimate team player. He worked tirelessly for the team and had unbelievable stamina.

His role as a hardworking wing forward demanded honesty and huge work rate and Donnacha had those in abundance. Players like him who do such unselfish work for the team cause are hard to find. He will be missed by Kerry.”

Tim Murphy, County Board Chairman also paid tribute to the star.

“He leaves the stage having made an enormous contribution to Kerry and does so in the knowledge of having left a lasting legacy of excellence for the next generation of players to aspire to. On behalf of all involved in Kerry GAA I wish to sincerely thank Donnchadh for all he has done and wish him the very best in the years to come.”

News, Sport

Donnchadh Walsh Retires From Inter-County Football

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Donnchadh Walsh in action against Cork last year. Photo by Dermot Crean

ANOTHER great Kerry player retires.

Donnchadh Walsh has announced his retirement through his club Cromane’s social media platforms.

The 34 year old has won three All-Ireland medals, eight Munster titles and two Division 1 titles.

In a statement, Walsh said: “For the last 15 years, I have devoted my life to the Kerry senior football team. The greatest honour I ever could’ve imagined has been pulling on the green and gold jersey but, as with all good things, it must come to an end. That end has arrived.

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“I am retiring from Kerry inter-county football with a lifetime of memories. I first played for Kerry as a minor two days after my 17th birthday back in 2001, and apart from a brief period where I had to knuckle down in my early 20s, I have been on the juggernaut that is the life of a Kerry footballer ever since. I cherished every second because it’s all I ever wanted to do. But now, it’s time for me to step aside.

“I wish the new Kerry senior football manager the very best of luck and encourage all my former team-mates to do what it takes to get Kerry back to the top. The memories will be worth it.

“My club, Réalt na Mara, An Cromán, have supported me to the hilt on the entirety of this journey. There is no greater feeling than representing your own people and I hope I’ve done so with heart, dignity, and determination. Although a small club, we have managed to produce two inter-county footballers for Kerry over the last 15 years, something we take great pride in.

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“On my league debut for Kerry, back in March 2003, when Páidí Ó Sé gave me my first taste of senior Kerry football, Seán O’Sullivan and I made up two-thirds of the half forward line. To have two men from the club line out for Kerry was a great honour for Cromane and a testament to our club’s officials and coaches. To all the members of Cromane GAA Club: thank you so much for nurturing and encouraging me.

“While it’s the end of an era retiring from Kerry, it’s something of a rebirth for me with the club.

“I was reared about 10 metres from Cromane GAA pitch and it has been close to my heart since I could raise my foot and kick a ball. I look forward to kicking many more balls there in the years to come.”

“I would like to thank my family and friends for always being there through thick and thin. I’d like to especially thank all my coaches and team-mates that I played with, and for, throughout my development and career including my school, the Intermediate School Killorglin (ISK); my divisional board, Mid Kerry; my colleges, UCC and RCSI, and Kerry underage teams.

“Finally, to the many passionate Kerry supporters, young and old, that I have met the length and breadth of the county and country, I would like to thank you for your fervent support throughout my time in the green and gold. I now hope to become one of you, as I cheer on my heroes from the terraces of Austin Stack Park and Fitzgerald Stadium.”

GAA, Sport

Only One Kerry Player Named On Ireland International Rules Team

Brogue XMAS Insert
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Donnachdh Walsh, scores a point against Tyrone in this year's semi-final. Photo by Dermot Crean.
Donnchadh Walsh, scores a point against Tyrone in this year’s semi-final. Photo by Dermot Crean.

DONNCHADH WALSH is the sole Kerry representative in the Ireland International Rules squad that will face Australia at Croke Park on November 21.

The Cromane man is one of nine of this year’s All-Stars picked in Joe Kernan’s 23 man squad, captained by Bernard Brogan. This is the first time Walsh has been picked to represent his country and comes a week after receiving a long overdue All-Star award.

Twelve counties in total will be represented.

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Queens Siamsa Tíre
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Dublin, make up the largest contingent with five, including Footballer of the Year Jack McCaffrey. Tyrone have three followed by Laois, Kildare, Cork, Monaghan and Mayo with two and Clare, Tipperary, Longford, Kerry and Donegal with one.

Since last year, the Cormac McAnallen Trophy is being decided with a one-off test. The two countries are tied with nine titles apiece.

This is the second year that only one Kerry player has been picked on the International Rules squad – David Moran was Kerry’s only representative last year.

Ireland Squad for the Eirgid International Rules Test With Australia

1 Niall Morgan (Tyrone)
2 Colm Begley (Laois)
3 Gary Brennan (Clare)
4 Bernard Brogan (Dublin) Capt
5 Eoin Cadogan (Cork)
9 Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone)
10 Eoin Doyle (Kildare)
11 Peter Harte (Tyrone)
13 Darren Hughes (Monaghan)
15 Lee Keegan (Mayo) Vice Capt
17 Paul Kerrigan (Cork)
19 Jack McCaffrey (Dublin)
20 Ciarán McDonald (Tipperary)
22 Philly McMahon (Dublin)
23 Conor McManus (Monaghan)
25 Rory O’Carroll (Dublin)
26 John O’Loughlin (Laois)
28 Aidan O’Shea (Mayo)
29 Michael Quinn (Longford)
31 Donnchadh Walsh (Kerry)
33 Diarmuid Connolly (Dublin)
34 Paul Cribbin (Kildare)
35 Paddy Mc Brearty (Donegal)

Stand by players…

16 Paddy O’Rourke (Meath)
6 Killian Clarke (Cavan)
7 Ray Connellan (Westmeath)
14 Kieran Hughes (Monaghan)
21 Gearoid McKiernan (Cavan)
24 Dessie Mone (Monaghan)
27 Colm O’Neill (Cork)
30 Enda Smith (Roscommon)

News

Donnchadh Walsh Delighted To Be The New Face Of SEAT Dealership

AIB Ad Insert
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Kerry footballer and SEAT Brand Ambassador Donnacha Walsh takes possession of his his new SEAT car from Paudie Dineen at Dineen and O'Donoghue SEAT Main Deal, Killarney. Photo: Don MacMonagle
Kerry footballer and SEAT Brand Ambassador Donnacha Walsh takes possession of his new SEAT car from Paudie Dineen at Dineen and O’Donoghue SEAT Main Deal, Killarney. Photo: Don MacMonagle

KERRY’S Donnchadh Walsh was today presented with his new SEAT Leon 5DR as he came on board as a brand ambassador for the SEAT dealership, Dineen O’Donoghue.

The Cromane native was delighted to be confirmed as an official brand ambassador for the local Kerry dealership.

“I am thrilled to have been selected as brand ambassador for my local SEAT dealer Dineen O’Donoghue and to drive away in this superb SEAT Leon 5DR. I have always been a huge admirer of the SEAT brand and its models which have an impressive design, are very comfortable and an absolute pleasure to drive,” Donnchadh Walsh said.

There was also delight on the part of the Killarney dealership after they secured the services of the high profile Kerry star.

“It is a real honour to have Donnchadh on board as an ambassador for Dineen O’Donoghue. Donnchadh is a credit to both his club and county team and sets a great example for those in our community. We are delighted to have him with us and wish him the very best of luck for the coming season.” said Paudie Dineen of SEAT dealer Dineen O’Donoghue.