Eamonn Fitzmaurice story about Anthony Maher on team holiday in South Africa is a fitting tribute

It's all change down in Kerry.

Anthony Maher announced his retirement from inter-county football on Wednesday morning and in doing so he became the third Kerry player in the space of a month to call-time on their county careers. Anthony Maher soldiered alongside men like Donnchadh Walsh and Kieran Donaghy in the green and gold and they had some great days together. That journey spanned 12 years for the Duagh club man and in that time-space he won five Munsters, two All-Irelands and two National League titles. His individual achievements were heralded in 2015 when he was awarded an All-Star after a stellar year in the engine room. He retired with a fitting statement, recalling the staple of many inter-county careers - the primary game outing - before thanking his club, his family, his managers, his teammates and the Kingdom faithful.

"Since pulling on my first green and gold jersey back in 1999 for the primary game in Pairc Ui Chaoimh I’ve had the immense pleasure of representing my family, my parish and my county – now the time has come to call it a day. "I’d firstly like to thank all my former team mates. While I am retiring from Kerry football with a heavy heart, I’m retiring with incredible memories. We’ve had highs and lows together but the bond developed throughout has been immeasurable. I look forward to watching and supporting as the current group continue to develop & grow, and return to glory once again. "I’d also like to express my gratitude to all the management teams down throughout the years. Their commitment to the cause has always been second to none. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity given to me first by Pat O’Shea, further developed and nurtured by Jack & Eamonn and their backroom teams. A special thanks to the team of medics and physios who have looked after me, especially in recent years. Also, to the County Board who have always been and continue to be a fantastic support to the entire team.

https://twitter.com/Kerry_Official/status/1047413551902728194

"To my club, Duagh – I thank all of the people who have invested in me and shown massive support to me throughout my entire footballing career. I hope I have done you all proud. The club is where it began for me and now I am really looking forward to the years ahead with Duagh. "My parents and my sisters have always been incredible when it came to my footballing commitments. They’ve always supported me, right back to that first training session my dad brought me to in Duagh as a young boy. I don’t think things looked too promising that day, but the encouragement began straight away and thankfully it paid off! "All my extended family & friends – thanks for the never ending support and loyalty through thick and thin. "To my wife Megan – the Limerick woman proudly sporting the green and gold since 2008! Thank you for your constant love, support, belief and loyalty. I look forward to beginning the next chapter with you. "And finally, the supporters. Thank you for always backing our team and I’m really looking forward to joining you in the stands in 2019."

Eamon Fitzmaurice was his bainisteoir for six of those 12 years, and he told a story that sums up Maher's work-ethic and dedication in a brilliant statement on his retirement day.

"In 2014 we holidayed in South Africa as All Ireland champions. We spent part of the trip at Sun City and naturally availed of the golf on site. One day as a group of us wound down our round I noticed Anthony running around the boundary of the golf course on his own, typically pushing himself. He was getting ready for 2015 and backed up his 2014 season by again driving us to the final that year."

That was the year he'd win an All-Star. That's what it takes.