'Absolute warrior', 'ultimate professional', 'fearless' - tributes paid as Kerry's O'Mahony retires

AFTER 13 SEASONS and 70 championship appearances as a Kerry senior footballer, Aidan O’Mahony hung up his boots today.

Kerry defender Aidan O'Mahony won eight Munster senior football medals. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

There’s been no shortage of tributes to the Rathmore defender who walks away with five All-Ireland senior medals and three All-Star awards to his name.

“He brought that leadership quality, he was a big character and really enjoyed bringing on the younger fellas into the panel over his time,” remarked teammate Donnchadh Walsh, speaking on the GAA’s Facebook page at today’s launch of the Allianz Football League at Croke Park.

Donnchadh Walsh 23/1//2017 Donnchadh Walsh at today's Allianz football league launch in Croke Park. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

“He will be missed on the field but in the dressing-room as well. I was surprised [to learn of the retirement] because throughout his career he has kept in incredible physical shape.

“He has had his fair few bad injuries as well. The physios down in Kerry he used to cause them nightmares because he would never stay off the field, he wanted to train every time through any kind of an injury. It showed his competitiveness and determination.

“He loved the physical side of things of the GAA, the physical contact in Gaelic football, and every day he would be out on the field he brought that physicality into his game. He is going to missed.”

Several other current and former Kerry players paid tribute to O’Mahony.

Marc Ó Sé

In an amateur game the most professional player I ever played with. Cherished memories with great cara @GmailMahony pic.twitter.com/rOAlZCuvR0
— Marc Ó Sé (@osemarc2) January 23, 2017

Marc Ó Sé / Twitter

Darran O’Sullivan

Darran O'Sullivan / Twitter Darran O'Sullivan / Twitter / Twitter

Kieran Donaghy

Killian Young

This guy is the ultimate professional, he gave everything to Kerry football. Thanks for the memories Aidan. 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/T4u4oDpSIN
— Killian Young (@killianyoung) January 23, 2017

Killian Young / Twitter

Eoin Brosnan

What a competitor for club and county @GmailMahony was. Fearless, brave and with a will to win that matched any player I have come across
— Eoin Brosnan (@brosnaneoin) January 23, 2017

Eoin Brosnan / Twitter

Mike Quirke

For 14 years, Aidan O'Mahony brought a steely edge to Kerry's silk. He was the rough that allowed others to be smooth. #legend #warrior
— Mike Quirke (@Mike_Quirke) January 23, 2017

Mike Quirke / Twitter

Paul Galvin

Congrats & thanks to my old snoring partner & early roommate @GmailMahony on a career in the trenches. Gave everything to @Kerry_Official 💚💛
— paul galvin (@pgal10) January 23, 2017

paul galvin / Twitter

Declan O’Sullivan

I admire this man so much. Couldn't ask for a better team mate. A brilliant competitor who always put the team first. A top player & friend https://t.co/AIlmBcFrBx
— Declan O Sullivan (@declansull11) January 23, 2017

Declan O Sullivan / Twitter

Bryan Sheehan

Gave everything in that green and gold jersey!! Blessed to have journeyed with @GmailMahony for so long. What a player and what a friend. pic.twitter.com/9FbS6x7E3Y
— Bryan Sheehan (@BryanSheehan9) January 23, 2017

Bryan Sheehan / Twitter

Colm Cooper

Well done on @GmailMahony on a marvellous career. Great journeys, performances and memories. Maximum effort guaranteed #youneededit pic.twitter.com/bw1c8zX92s
— colm cooper (@colmcooper13) January 23, 2017

colm cooper / Twitter

Kerry's Aidan O'Mahony and Kieran Donaghy celebrate on the pitch Aidan O'Mahony and Kieran Donaghy celebrate the 2014 All-Ireland final win. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

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There was also plenty praise for O’Mahony from opponents during his inter-county career.

Alan Dillon (Mayo)

What a player, one of the best I've came across, many a battle we shared. Top class on & off the pitch, enjoy retirement @GmailMahony
— Alan Dillon (@Alan_Dillon) January 23, 2017

Alan Dillon / Twitter

Alan Brogan (Dublin)

Enjoy retirement @GmailMahony .. you can have your medal back now.. pic.twitter.com/6acrK57idP
— Alan Brogan (@alanbrogan13) January 23, 2017

Alan Brogan / Twitter

Steven McDonnell (Armagh)

An All Ireland medal for every 14 championship appearances. Not a bad record at all. Enjoy your retirement @GmailMahony #Legend #AllStar
— Killeavy13 (@StevenMcD13) January 23, 2017

Steven McDonnell / Twitter

Brian Fox (Tipperary)

Best of luck to @GmailMahony on his retirement. Honour to play against such a fierce competitor... think I kept him scoreless once 😅!
— Brian Fox (@brianfoxtipp) January 23, 2017

brian fox / Twitter

Owen Mulligan (Tyrone)

@GmailMahony some great battles over the years. Congratulations on a great career. #respect
— Owen Mulligan (@owen_mulligan) January 23, 2017

owen mulligan / Twitter

John Doyle (Kildare)

Play the game the way you'd like to be remembered well @GmailMahony will be remembered as a tough, honest reliable player. Congrats Aiden
— John Doyle (@johnnydoyle78) January 23, 2017

John Doyle / Twitter

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And there were a fair few Kilkenny hurling figures who had praise for O’Mahony as well.

Jackie Tyrrell

Jackie Tyrrell / Twitter Jackie Tyrrell / Twitter / Twitter

Paul Murphy

Best of luck to @GmailMahony in retirement. Outstanding player and had a 6 pack Peter Andre would be proud of!😄 enjoy! #Ciarraí 👏🏻👏🏻
— Paul Murphy (@PaulMurphykk) January 23, 2017

Paul Murphy / Twitter

Eoin Larkin

Huge congrats to @GmailMahony on his career.exceptional reader of the game and not bad wit the aul ball either
— Eoin Larkin (@11larky) January 23, 2017

Eoin Larkin / Twitter

Richie Hogan

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