Paul Galvin Retires: The Reaction

After Paul Galvin's shock decision to retire this evening, Kerry manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice, team-mate Donnchadh Walsh and Dublin's Jim Gavin all gave their reaction to the news.

Kerry Manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice

Fitzmaurice, Galvin's brother in law and Finuge clubmate, thought the 34-year-old could still have done a job for Kerry this year, having played in the McGrath Cup final against Cork just 13 days ago, when he came on as a sub in defence.

"I did, I did, I did yeah. I did. Definitely. I think he could have done a couple of jobs for us. We were looking at him in the half-back line. I think he could have done his old job in the half-forward line. He mightn't have been a starter all of the time but he's 34 years of age," said Fitzmaurice.

"The way he played the game for a lot of years, he took a lot of knocks and his body, he minds it very well, he lives like a monk. At the same time, it just required a lot of taking care of as well.

"Logistically, his life is in Dublin now and trying to split your time as an inter-county footballer between Dublin and Kerry, it was going to be difficult, it was going to be challenging.

"So like I said, there's no regrets on Paul's part and there's certainly no regrets on my part. He had a look a it, he tried it out for the five or six weeks and it was just proving too difficult really.

"In fairness to Paul he's always been very, very committed to the cause, club and county, he'll still play a bit of club football with Finuge I'm sure. He's a very whole hearted guy. His highlights reel, there'll be plenty of highs and plenty of lows.

"There were certainly no half measures with him anyway. He had a fantastic career. He broke into the team in 2004 as a kind of a hard-working wing-forward. He had a ferocious appetite for improvement. He kept improving himself and he developed himself into a player, he became Footballer of the Year by 2009.

"He's a great guy, he's a good friend of mine. He's a lot of very admirable characteristics, he's a very honest person both on and off the field. He gave fantastic service to Kerry and he's given fantastic service to the various clubs as well, with Finuge, with Lixnaw, with Feale Rangers, with UCC. He's had a great time of it and there's certainly no regrets."

Kerry Wing-Forward Donnchadh Walsh

Walsh told the media after the game that he had been completely unaware of his team-mate's decision, but paid a glowing tribute to a player he competed with for a wing-forward role on the Kerry team for years.

"That's the first I've heard of it. Shocked really. I'm shocked. I'm trying to get his place off him for my whole career," Walsh said.

"He's been an unbelievable player. The skill that man has and the passion - he has every attribute you would have in a wing-forward. I'm very disappointed to hear that."

Dublin Manager Jim Gavin

Gavin, was equally shocked, admitting that he thought Galvin had a superb campaign in 2013, but he paid tribute to the Finuge man's technical skills, which often went unnoticed due to his combative style.

"I'm surprised," said Gavin. "He had a good season last year and in the All-Ireland semi-final I was surprised to see him taken off as I thought he was doing very well.

"The biggest testament I could ever pay to him is that you would love to have him on your team. He's someone I have admired - great determination, great commitment.

"He was a very skilful player and probably didn't get the recognition for his technical skills. I wish him the best on his new journey."

Patrick O'Sullivan, Chairman Kerry County Committee GAA

"When Paul Galvin informed me of his pending retirement from intercounty football I felt a genuine sadness, however I quickly realised what a fantastic service he has given to Kerry in a senior career that stretches back to 2002 and indeed way back to his debut in the green and gold at Minor level in 1997.

"Since then he has won every honour available to him never giving less than his all in the pursuit of victory for his native county. He had a tremendous rapport with the Kerry following who appreciated his dedication and determined approach to the game which more often than not rubbed off on the players around him.

"Paul seemed to get better with age and in 2009 he finished the Year with All Ireland and National League Titles, an All Star and capped it all with the Footballer of the Year accolade. He made an amazing 109 senior appearances for Kerry scoring 3-89 in the process.

"At Club level, suffice to say he won all that was on offer over a long career in both Hurling and Football. On behalf of all Kerry followers, I want to sincerely thank Paul for his dedication and commitment to Kerry GAA, he has given us great memories, and I wish him every good wish for the future where ever that may take him."

Kerry forward Darran O'Sullivan