Brian Kelly has become the second Kerry footballer to announce his inter-county retirement in recent days.
Kelly’s decision comes on the back of his Killarney Legion clubmate Jonathan Lyne stepping away on Friday and, like Lyne, it comes with the player having enjoyed limited game time in recent times.
Much of Kelly’s career was spent as understudy goalkeeper but he was first choice when Kerry won their most recent All-Ireland in 2014. He had slipped behind Shane Murphy and Shane Ryan in the pecking order in more recent years, however.
In a statement, he said: “The time is right for me to step away from inter-county football. I would like to acknowledge all the management and backroom teams, the County Board and Kerry Group for their support over the last nine years.
“As a teenager growing up in Killarney I sold match programmes on Munster final days and dreamed of one day climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift Sam Maguire.
“Thankfully I have lived out my dream and I am proud to have played my small part in the Kerry GAA history books.
“This would not have been possible without the help of my teammates, family, friends, girlfriend, my club Killarney Legion and my employer O’Carroll Engineering.
“I am especially grateful for your guidance and encouragement down through the years.
“A final thank you to the Kerry fans for their unwavering support, I look forward to cheering on the team with you in 2021.”
