Moynihan quits at the top

GAELIC GAMES: It's a hard decision for anyone to retire at the top, no matter what the sport, although for Séamus Moynihan the decision to end his career as a Kerry footballer has been made with total contentment.

The few days since last Sunday's win over Mayo - which delivered Moynihan his fourth All-Ireland medal - just confirmed that contented feeling, so without a hint of regret he has announced his decision to retire.

"There's no way it's going to get any better than this," he says. "I am as satisfied now as I'll ever be. I said a long time ago four All-Irelands was my target. I said that well before this year. That was always my target in football, and I've achieved that now. I'm 33 in October, getting married next July, and there's a lot of other things I'm looking forward to now, channelling my energy into other things. I know I'm lucky to be able to walk away on a high like this, injury-free, and still able to enjoy my club football, which I hope to do for a few years yet."

Even before Sunday's win Moynihan was assured of his place among the all-time greats of Kerry football. And few if any players of his generation could match his ability to read the game, sweep up breaking ball, then make those trademark bursts forward which would frequently inspire team-mates and break the hearts of opponents.

While Moynihan made his championship debut 14 years ago, last Sunday saw him deliver one of the most complete performances at centre back, a game without blemish. He was equally comfortable performing at midfield to full back, and no matter where he played his leadership qualities abounded.

He can boast practically every honour in the game. It was 1996 before he won the first of six Munster titles, and a year later he collected his first National League and senior All-Ireland. Among his other honours are three league titles, three county senior championships, and four years on the Irish International Rules team.