Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Eoin Brosnan | Paddy Bradley | Sean Cavanagh Aidan Carr | Kevin Cassidy | Ronan Clarke | Bryan Cullen | Colm Cooper
Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Kieran Donahy | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Leighton Glynn | Ciaran Hanratty
Stephen Kernan | James Masters | Andy McClean | Oisin McConville
Ciaran McDonald | Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Barry Monaghan
Finnian Moriarty | Adrian Morrissey | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Nicholas Murphy | Eamon O'Hara | Stephen O'Neill
Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé | Declan O'Sullivan | Colm Parkinson | Tomás Quinn
Donal Shine | Ciaran Whelan | Fergal Doherty | Conan Keaney
Darran O'Sullivan | Eoin Bradley | James Masters | John McEntee
Mark Vaughan | Paul Kerrigan
When Mid Kerry captured the Kerry Championship last year, they nominated their deadly speed merchant forward as their choice to captain the county. 12 months later, the young star lived every young player’s dream by collecting Sam Maguire on the steps of the Hogan Stand after victory over arch-rivals Cork. Often used as an impact sub, Darran took the extra responsibility as captain on board and by the end of the season he had became a key member of Jack O’Connor’s All-Ireland winning team.
All in all, it was some year for the Glenbeigh-Glencar clubman, who completed the double with medals in both the National League and All-Ireland to add to his collection. His blistering pace has terrorised defenders over the last few years, but he also has a keen eye for goal and is a great finisher. And he is not going to stop any day soon we reckon.
Was it strange to go in as the underdog in this year’s All-Ireland final?
It was strange preparation for us with nothing being said coming up to the final. There was no distractions and it was perfect really. It gave us space and time to go out and work, going about our own business
Would you think it was your best year for the Kingdom?
Yeah it was a good year alright and I managed to nail down a starting place coming to the end of the season. The fact that I was captain was a huge honour. Collecting Sam Maguire topped off what was a good year all round.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
It was only a short while ago, but it has to be winning the All-Ireland as captain and walking up those steps in the Hogan Stand.
Which is the toughest team you have faced?
I’d say Cork. We know each other so well and there are no real secrets between the sides.
Who was your toughest ever opponent?
Noel O’Leary of Cork. He is so tenacious and tough and always gives 110%. You know you will have a hard game against him.
Which players do you admire the most?
You have to look up to lads like Colm Cooper, Paul Galvin and Declan O’Sullivan.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
Kerry’s Maurice Fitzgerald. He was just a genius and he could kick points off either foot from anywhere on the field.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Glenbeigh-Glencar and our biggest rivals would be Laune Rangers. They are the nearest town to our village, but we only play them a couple of times a year.
How do you balance your job and football?
I work here in Ulster Bank and they are very good. It’s just a case of getting a routine in terms of work and football so that you are never too tired.
Do you have any superstitions?
Not really, but I do like to wear the same gear during the Championship, the same socks and shorts.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
Being able to kick off both feet is so important especially in the modern game. It gives you an extra option to be able to swing onto your left or right. It makes you harder to defend against.
What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Just keep practising, working on both feet. Listen to your coaches, but again the most important thing is to practise your skills all the time.
Name: Darran O’Sullivan
Age: 23
Team: Kerry
Debut: 2005 v Tyrone
Position: Half-Forward
Honours:
3 All-Ireland Senior titles,
2 Munster Senior titles,
2 National Football League titles,
1 Kerry Senior title.
Club: Glenbeigh-Glencar
Fav food: Steak
Fav book: Paul McGrath
Fav band: The Coronas
Fav movie: Step Brothers
Fav TV: Two and a Half Men
Occupation: Bank Official CulFACT:
Darran lived in London until he was 12, where he played Gaelic football with Tir Chonaill Gaels. |
