This is the memoir of a man who was once a footballer.
Like many hundreds before him, and after him, Donie O'Sullivan wore the famous green and gold of Kerry with immense pride.
But this is not just Donie O'Sullivan's story. It is the story of a people and a place, Spa. It is the story of a time, the 1960s and 70s. And it is the story of a county.
The story of one of our native games.
This is a story of 'Kerry'.
Donie O'Sullivan was the first Kerryman to win an All Star award, when he was chosen at right corner-back on the inaugural team in 1971.
He had won three All-Ireland medals with his county by then (1962, 69, and 70 when he captained Kerry and lifted the Sam Maguire Cup) and won a fourth in 1975.
O'Sullivan also won seven National League medals with Kerry, despite a career which brought him far and wide, and had him playing with Clanna Gael in Dublin and the Kerry team in New York. Aswell as proudly wearing the colours of his beloved Spa, he also lined out for Dr Crokes in Killarney.
O'Sullivan retained his All Star award in 1972, but by that stage he may have become an American Footballer. A renowned kicker of a dead ball, while attending St John's University in New York in the late 60s he was invited to join the New York Jets. An offer he declined.
