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Post by donegalman on Nov 20, 2014 19:34:37 GMT
He was one serious operator. He is only 30 as well, and has 5 all ireland medals. He surly can hang his boots up without any regrets.
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Post by Mickmack on Nov 20, 2014 19:53:56 GMT
My first memory of Declan O'Sullivan in a (senior) Kerry jersey is 2003 Quarter Final V Roscommon. He played at Full Forward and hit 1-2. It was obvious that day that he had exceptional balance and could turn on a ha'penny (that is pretty small for you younger folk!) He played constant football almost 365 days of the year from that day on. He answered the call by Dromid, South Kerry, Kerry U-21 and senior, not letting any down. He lined out with Maurice Fitzgerald, Cooper and Moynihan and fitted in seamlessly with this company. His commitment and drive in 2006 was well documented and even went to the extent of quitting his job to concentrate on steering Kerry to the Hogan steps. Jack was criticised for drafting him into the final team but the critics got their answer early in the game as the net rippled. More recent memories of Declan are in the concrete bowl in Cork last June. When we saw him emerge with more strapping than you would see in a small hospital the eyes were thrown to heaven. What an exhibition he gave. For extra time in the semi final in Limerick he tore off the strapping. Willing to give every ounce. The knees were damaged anyway. Like an drunk going for another pint, the damage was done. Nothing was going to hold him back. Another extremity of his commitment was the day of the all Ireland final, the expected due date for his second child! The baby didn't fancy watching Donegal so waited another few days. Declan was called upon in the final quarter. He held possession and acted as an important link around the middle. The true test of any forward is how a defender can deal with them. Declan was unmarkable. He had pace and a quick turn which was useful in the full forward line. Just ask Cork about 2009. He was also able to go roaming, picking up possession, acting as a link on the forty. I am still not sure if left or right was his preferred boot. Many a defender will have nightmares about the solo runs in which he puts the ball just ahead of himself (getting the back to commit) only for Declan to grasp the ball and sway past the now unbalanced defender. What better a send off than having Sam in one hand and your son in the other. Thanks for the memories Declan and enjoy your retirement. Great post in my opinion |
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Post by Annascaultilidie on Nov 20, 2014 22:49:17 GMT
...where Gooch is Dennis Bergkamp, Declan is the Steven Gerrard or Bryan Robson, Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane... One of my pet peeves is when GAA writers insist in making comparisons with soccer players like this. I'd expect it on HS alright. |
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Post by glengael on Nov 21, 2014 11:17:25 GMT
My first memory of Declan O'Sullivan in a (senior) Kerry jersey is 2003 Quarter Final V Roscommon. He played at Full Forward and hit 1-2. It was obvious that day that he had exceptional balance and could turn on a ha'penny (that is pretty small for you younger folk!) He played constant football almost 365 days of the year from that day on. He answered the call by Dromid, South Kerry, Kerry U-21 and senior, not letting any down. He lined out with Maurice Fitzgerald, Cooper and Moynihan and fitted in seamlessly with this company. His commitment and drive in 2006 was well documented and even went to the extent of quitting his job to concentrate on steering Kerry to the Hogan steps. Jack was criticised for drafting him into the final team but the critics got their answer early in the game as the net rippled. More recent memories of Declan are in the concrete bowl in Cork last June. When we saw him emerge with more strapping than you would see in a small hospital the eyes were thrown to heaven. What an exhibition he gave. For extra time in the semi final in Limerick he tore off the strapping. Willing to give every ounce. The knees were damaged anyway. Like an drunk going for another pint, the damage was done. Nothing was going to hold him back. Another extremity of his commitment was the day of the all Ireland final, the expected due date for his second child! The baby didn't fancy watching Donegal so waited another few days. Declan was called upon in the final quarter. He held possession and acted as an important link around the middle. The true test of any forward is how a defender can deal with them. Declan was unmarkable. He had pace and a quick turn which was useful in the full forward line. Just ask Cork about 2009. He was also able to go roaming, picking up possession, acting as a link on the forty. I am still not sure if left or right was his preferred boot. Many a defender will have nightmares about the solo runs in which he puts the ball just ahead of himself (getting the back to commit) only for Declan to grasp the ball and sway past the now unbalanced defender. What better a send off than having Sam in one hand and your son in the other. Thanks for the memories Declan and enjoy your retirement. Great post in my opinion I'd second that. I would add the goal v Dublin in 2007. Sublime. |
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Post by walker07 on Nov 21, 2014 12:31:46 GMT
Was Declan o Sullivan the only man to captain his county to 3 all Ireland finals in a row?? 2005,2006&2007
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dano
Senior Member
Posts: 530
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Post by dano on Nov 22, 2014 1:27:08 GMT
Fantastic tribute corner back. I distinctly remember the net "rippling" from my perch on the Cusack that day in '06. I've a feeling we'll see him again though.
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Post by Ballyfireside on Dec 4, 2014 14:21:40 GMT
Bitter sweet but the right decision, you'd fear for his legs in later life. Thank you for the music Declan.
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Post by glengael on Dec 23, 2014 13:05:31 GMT
Great interview with Declan on Terrace Talk last night.
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Post by beantownfan on Dec 23, 2014 14:50:10 GMT
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Post by Mickmack on Dec 23, 2014 17:30:09 GMT
Fantastic article.
Christy OConnor is Jamesys brother. His book on from a few years back is a masterpiece.
I had harboured slight hopes that we might see Declan in the Kerry jersey again but after reading that, they are gone. We were lucky to have him in Kerry.
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seamo
Fanatical Member
Posts: 2,016
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Post by seamo on Dec 23, 2014 19:16:35 GMT
Great interview with Declan on Terrace Talk last night. It was a great interview....but damn when they started talking about those Hogan cup battles with Michael Meehan, I didn't half feel old!!! lol |
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Post by Ballyfireside on Dec 23, 2014 19:27:51 GMT
Today's article offers amazing insight that will challenge any man with his own demons, I speak for myself. Declan's performance is now easier understood, if still a bit of a mystery.
Happy xMas and another happy new year go mo chairde go leir ó an Contae Chiarraí.
Ballythefireside
PS And a happy new year means only one thing!
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