Kerry forward Tommy Walsh has announced his inter-county retirement.

The 6'5" Kerins O’Rahilly’s clubman retires with two All-Ireland SFC medals, an All-Ireland U21FC medal and a Young Footballer of the Year award. A son of Kerry great Sean Walsh, Tommy made his senior debut in 2008 - he won his first All-Ireland SFC medal as a panellist in 2007 - after winning the All-Ireland U21 title and was named Young Footballer of the Year after Kerry lost that year's All-Ireland SFC final to Tyrone.

Walsh made amends in 2009 when his famed attacking partnership with Kieran Donaghy, who were dubbed the 'Twin Towers', inspired the Kingdom to an All-Ireland SFC final victory over Cork. Walsh was recruited by AFL outfit St Kilda a month later. He later joined Sydney Swans where he made five AFL appearances before returning home at the end of 2014 after suffering a serious hamstring injury.

He briefly rejoined the Kerry panel before returning under Peter Keane in 2018 and playing in that year's All-Ireland final and replay against Dublin. The 33-year-old's last appearance for the Kingdom came in last month's All-Ireland SFC semi-final defeat to Tyrone.

New Kerry manager Jack O'Connor said in a statement: “It was with sadness that I learned today of Tommy Walsh’s decision to retire from the Kerry senior football panel.

“I coached Tommy for two years firstly in 2008 with Kerins O’ Rahilly’s when he was instrumental in helping the club to a county final and in 2009 with Kerry.

“He gave one of the great exhibitions to the 2009 All Ireland final against Cork when he scored four great points – two from either foot. Like his father Seanie he was a man for the big occasion and raised his game accordingly.

“I wish him all the best in retirement, and I hope he continues to enjoy a fruitful club career for many years to come.”

Kerry chairman Tim Murphy commented: “Over the past two years in particular Tommy’s leadership on and off the field has helped to encourage, motivate, and successfully integrate many of our younger players onto the panel.

“On behalf of all Kerry supporters I wish to sincerely thank and acknowledge Tommy for all he has done and wish him the very best in the future.”

Thank you Tommy for your service to Kerry https://t.co/UYYhbNq9M2 @tommywalshkor pic.twitter.com/TqSol8gvcl

— Kerry GAA (@Kerry_Official) October 18, 2021

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