To wear the Kerry jersey at any age, at any level and in any competition is a huge honour.
So it is no surprise that there has been a huge outpouring of grief and sympathy to the family of the late Paddy Curtin, who passed away overnight in a Miami hospital.
The 26-year-old, who featured for the Kerry minor, U21 and senior sides in his career, took ill after suffering head injuries in a road accident in Guatemala last week.
Sadly he failed to recover and his death was confirmed earlier today with his family by his side.
The forward played six times for Kerry in the championship during 2012 and 2013, and was warmly remembered by his former county colleagues this afternoon.
So sad to loose Paddy. Thoughts and prayers with his family and his close friends. Great player, great person. RIP
— Kieran Donaghy (@starryboy14) December 29, 2015
Devastated to hear the tragic news of the passing of our great friend Paddy Curtin.All our taught's are with his family #RIP #Kerryfamily
— colm cooper (@colmcooper13) December 29, 2015
North Kerry has lost a tough one in Paddy Curtin. Awfully sad news. Thoughts are with his family & friends & the whole Moyvane community.
— Mike Quirke (@Mike_Quirke) December 29, 2015
Unbelievably sad day. A great teamate, workmate & friend. I think this song is very apt. RIP Paddy. . https://t.co/JMoh6zHTOg
— Declan O Sullivan (@declansull11) December 29, 2015
An awful tragedy. A great footballer and lovely young fella. Not right. RIP Paddy 👍🏼
— Tomás Ó Sé (@tomas5ky) December 29, 2015
Devastated to hear the news about Paddy Curtin. Great player but an even better guy who'll be sorely missed. RIP buddy
— Darran O'Sullivan (@Darransull86) December 29, 2015
Devastated to hear the news of the passing of Paddy Curtin.. Absolute gent & warrior on d pitch…All our taught's are with his family #RIP
— . (@altsbyaddidas) December 29, 2015
Heartbreaking re Paddy Curtin. Played primary game – Kerry senior with him. Great player and the life of all squads. May he rest in peace
— David Moran (@D1Moran) December 29, 2015
Such a sad loss Paddy Curtin will be.. So tragic, thoughts with all his family and friends. #RIPPaddy 💚💛
— Killian Young (@killianyoung) December 29, 2015
Players from outside of Kerry have also been paying tribute to the Moyvane clubman.
Thoughts and prayers with @Kerry_Official Patrick curtin and his family. Terribly sad news of his passing abroad. 🙏🙏🙏RIP
— Conor.mortimer ⚽️ (@Conmort) December 29, 2015
All Gaels in mourning today with the sad news of the passing of @Kerry_Official player Patrick Curtin our condolences to the family RIP .
— Meath GAA (@MeathGAA) December 29, 2015
RIP Patrick Curtin. Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers with family and friends.
— Donie Shine (@donie_89) December 29, 2015
Saddened to hear the passing of @Kerry_Official player Paddy Curtin this morn. Quality baller and a real sound guy on/off the pitch. RIP
— Kevin Keane (@kevkeane3) December 29, 2015
