One of the great Kerry players of the 1930s and early '40s, Johnny Walsh from Ballylongford, has died aged 88. He won five senior All-Ireland medals with Kerry, in 1932, '37, '39, '40 and '41. He also won several Railway Cup medals with Munster.

After his playing days he trained the Kerry team for a number of years and was in charge when Kerry and Cavan met in the 1947 All-Ireland final in the Polo Grounds in New York.

He was an influential figure in the GAA in Kerry during the post Civil War era and was a highly popular teacher in Ballylongford up to his retirement. He was president of the Kerry County Board at the time of his death.

Two of his sons, Jackie and Barry, also wore the Kerry jersey with distinction. Barry was a member of the great Kerry panel of the 1970s and '80s while Jackie was a member of the UCD team which won the All-Ireland club title as well as senior county medals in both Kerry and Dublin.

The president of the GAA, Joe McDonagh, yesterday described Johnny Walsh as one of the great legends of Kerry football. "He was a giant and inspiration both on and off the field of play," he said.