Kerry's Kieran Donaghy has retired from inter-county football.

A four time All Ireland winner with the Kingdom, Donaghy was a widely respected figure in the Kerry jersey.

"I wish to announce my retirement from the Kerry Senior Football team," Donaghy said in a statement released on Tuesday morning. 

"The journey has been full of ups and downs, but I never wanted it to end. It has surpassed even my wildest dreams, that a basketball kid from Tralee would end up playing 69 times in the Championship over a 14 year period for the famous Green and Gold.

"To every one of my Kerry teammates who I was lucky enough to have played with, I thank you for your patience, help and advice during those years. I’m blessed to have had the time of my life with you boys fighting on my back trying to win games for Kerry. We had some tough times, such is life but the wonderful stories and memories we shared will stick with me forever."

Tim Murphy, Chairman of the Kerry County Committee, praised Donaghy's contribution.

"Kieran’s retirement today brings an end to the inter county playing career of one of Kerry’s greatest servants," Murphy commented.

"His leadership on and off the field was extremely important over the last year in particular as a lot of younger players were integrated into the panel for the first time.

He acted as a mentor and confidant to many of these new players and has successfully helped them understand what it really means to be a Kerry footballer."