By Cian O'Connell

Kerry's Donnchadh Walsh has retired from inter-county football.

The highly regarded Walsh won three All Ireland medals, eight Munster senior titles, and two Allianz Football Leagues during a glittering career.

Cromane clubman Walsh announced his decision to step away from the Kerry on Friday morning.

"For the last 15 years, I have devoted my life to the Kerry senior football team," Walsh stated.

"The greatest honour I ever could’ve imagined has been pulling on the green and gold jersey but, as with all good things, it must come to an end. That end has arrived.

"I am retiring from Kerry inter-county football with a lifetime of memories. I first played for Kerry as a minor two days after my 17th birthday back in 2001, and apart from a brief period where I had to knuckle down in my early 20s, I have been on the juggernaut that is the life of a Kerry footballer ever since. I cherished every second because it’s all I ever wanted to do."

Former Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice praised Walsh's rich contribution.

"He has given fantastic service to the Kerry jersey and can retire with his head held high," Fitzmaurice remarked. "He is a genuine, honest and intelligent person and was a joy to be involved with on and off the field.

"He made his League debut in 2003 and displayed his determination and resilience by biding his time and redoubling his efforts to break into the championship team in 2007. From then on he was central to Kerry successes."

Fitzmaurice acknowledged the manner in which Walsh always remained relevant to the Kerry cause.

"In my time in charge Donnchadh was our specialist wing forward, always a demanding and dynamic role but in todays game achieving the balance between working hard for the team while maintaining an offensive threat is a unique skillset," Fitzmaurice added.

"Donnchadh’s machinelike stamina was a huge asset and he moulded his game to allow him to use it to his and the teams advantage. Once the ball was thrown in Donnchadh was in perpetual motion, always available as an outlet and his honesty when working for the team was exemplary. He was pivotal to our game-plan in 2014 where all these characteristics were in plain sight.

"I particularly enjoyed witnessing Donnchadh develop from a quiet personality who went about his business into a leader that drove the standards of the group, leading by example."