By Cian O’Connell

“When I was growing up, it was all I wanted to do: I wanted to play with Kerry,” David Moran says about enjoying a decade and a half on the senior inter-county beat.

“I wanted to play in Croke Park or to play in Killarney in Munster Finals, the fact that I got to do that - it takes a lot of work and dedication to get there.

“So many guys and girls put in the dedication and work, they just don't get there. So I feel very lucky to have - number one - to have been able to play for Kerry and - number two - to be part of a group that was lucky enough to be successful. So I feel very privileged and lucky.”

In the last six months since retiring from Kerry duty, though, Moran hasn’t reflected too much. “I've went back in with the club, I've really enjoyed that,” he adds.

“A little bit, but not really, I've just got on with it. We had a second baby in February so that is taking up a lot of my time. I haven't really dwelt on it.”

Work and family commitments ensure life remains hectic, but Moran remains an interested observer in the fortunes of the Kerry senior team.

The fact that so many of the Kerry panel captured a first All-Ireland title in 2022 bodes well. Will they develop further after hoisting Sam Maguire and sampling success at the highest level? “I'd love to think so, I hope so,” Moran replies.

“Up to now I don't think it has been a monkey on their back. A lot of the guys who won minors, I don't think they lost enough finals - some came in for '19 and lost that, but I don't think they had lost so many All-Irelands, that it was a case of trying to get over the line.

“I don't think it was a monkey on the back, it was just a case of getting over the line. Since they did you'd be hoping it is something they could use as a source of confidence going forward, to use it. Do I think it is a complete release? Probably not.”