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Kerry footballer Declan O'Sullivan. Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Spread The Gospel

Declan O'Sullivan is now helping coach the next generation of Kerry footballers

O’Sullivan has been involved with the Kerry minor side recently.

DECLAN O’SULLIVAN MAY not have a playing role next Sunday in Killarney after bringing the curtain down on his glittering Kerry football career last winter, but he has still had an involvement ahead of the Munster football finals.

Minor boss Jack O’Connor is well acquainted with his club mate O’Sullivan and the ex-senior manager has drafted in the five-time All-Ireland senior winner to help with the Kerry minor side recently.

O’Connor steered Kerry to Munster and All-Ireland glory last year, and they’re hoping to retain their provincial crown when they face Tipperary next Sunday at 12pm in Fitzgerald Stadium.

“Declan is such a recent senior that all the lads know of his ability,” remarked Eamonn Whelan, a member of the Kerry minor management team.

“They know of his playing career and what he has achieved, as well as what Declan brought to underage teams as well as the Kerry seniors.

“Declan has come in on a number of occasions and done drills and some work with the forward line. He has been hugely energetic, he has shown a massive passion for the game.

Kerry manager Jack O'Connor celebrates Jack O'Connor celebrates Kerry's All-Ireland minor win last year. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

“I think that he has been outstanding with the lads and I think that the young fellas have responded to him.

“As well in the semi-final at Austin Stack Park against Cork being the eye in the stand, Declan has attended a number of training sessions as well.

Stephen McBrearty with Mark O'Connor Mark O'Connor (right) will captain the Kerry minor side next weekend. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

“So Declan has added a new dimension and while we as a management team are very happy that we work very well together, we feel that Declan’s input has enhanced the preparations.

“The lads have responded positively to be learning from one of the greatest forwards of the modern era. We will see how things will work out on Sunday, when Tipperary will provide us with a stern test”

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