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
Declan O’Sullivan’s electric performances this summer have been a major factor in Kerry’s march to All-Ireland glory. The Dromid Pearses star was in top form in the big Championship games, leading from the front like a true captain and helping Kerry reach their 4th All-Ireland final in-a-row.
His goal against Monaghan was the score that brought Kerry back into the game and kick-started their season. He continued where he left off against the Dubs in the semi-final and came up with the vital score yet again. After being set up by a pass from Killian Young, and even though he still had a lot to do, he kept calm, turned and hammered the ball past Stephen Cluxton for a priceless goal. He added 3 more points from play and the Kingdom were on their way to another September showdown, this time against arch rivals and Munster neighbours Cork. Kerry were in devastating form in the final, and goals from The Gooch and two from Kieran Donaghy meant that Cork were always chasing the game. The Rebels never got going and Kerry went on to win their 35th All-Ireland title.
Declan led Kerry to All-Ireland victory over Mayo in the 2006 All-Ireland final and again in 2007, he lifted the Sam Maguire. Repeating the feat was some achievement and he is the first Kerryman to do so since the great Dr Crokes clubman Dick Fitzgerald captained the Kingdom to back-to-back All-Irelands in 1913 and 1914.
What has been your greatest sporting moment for The Kingdom?
Winning the All-Ireland title last year was the best. I was captain and it was a great honour to go up the steps and lift the Sam Maguire aloft. Added to that I also scored 1-02 on the day.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
Cork have been a very hard team to beat over the last few years. We have had some great Munster finals with them over the last few years and we also met them in Croker.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
Our own Aidan O’Mahony is fairly tough. It’s not easy when you come up against him in training, and that’s only in training. Seamus Moynihan is a legend. Even though he has retired from the inter-county scene he is still playing some great football for his club Glenflesk.
Who were your childhood heroes?
Kerry’s Maurice Fitzgerald and Derry’s Anthony Tohill.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play Intermediate football with Dromid Pearses and I play Senior football with the divisional side South Kerry. At that level Dr Crokes would be our biggest rivals and we even beat them to win the County Senior title last year. As they were a club side, they represented Kerry in the Club Championships.
Do you play any other sports?
Soccer from time to time and I am enjoying watching the Rugby World Cup at the moment.
What are your hopes for the future?
To continue to play for Kerry at the highest level and to keep enjoying the game.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
Catching is the best and most important skill. It’s great to see a player go up and take the ball out of the sky.
What advice would you give to young players?
You can never practise enough with the ball cos being skilful at the game will always stand to you. Even though the game has got a little bit physical it still boils down to the skills at the end of the day.
Name: Declan O’Sullivan
Age: 23
Team: Kerry
Debut: 2003 v Tipperary
Position: Corner-Forward
Honours:
2 All-Ireland Senior titles,
4 Munster Senior titles,
1 Munster U-21 title,
1 Munster Minor title,
2 National Football League titles.
Club: Dromid Pearses
Fav Food: Chicken
Fav Book: Lance Armstrong
Fav Band: The Killers
Fav Film: Beautiful Mind
Fav TV: Prison Break
Hobbies: Watching Sport
Occupation: Shop Manager
CúlFACT:
Declan made his debut in Croke Park playing mini-sevens football at half-time during the Dublin v Tyrone All-Ireland final in 1995. He has been back a lot of times since.
© September 2007 |
