The Kingdom made their exit to Dublin in this year's All-Ireland semi-final, a game which saw Brosnan feature as a substitute.

Brosnan announced his retirement on Radio Kerry, saying: "I spoke with (Kerry manager) Éamonn (Fitzmaurice) and I knew even during the year that with the time commitment and three young children it's huge and being self-employed as well...just it's huge and I wouldn't have been able to do it for another year.

"I think this year there has even been a changing of the guard where you have young players like Fionn Fitzgerald and the likes who have come on and done well, so there's a bright future there for Kerry."

Brosnan featured in the half-back line for his club side Dr. Crokes as they picked up their third AIB Munster Club SFC title in a row yesterday.

He said that he wanted Crokes' Munster campaign to end before announcing his decision to hang up his boots at inter-county level.

"We got over the line well yesterday against Cratloe, just about," he admitted.

"I spoke with Éamonn briefly the night of the Dublin game and then I just rang him a few weeks ago just to inform him and I spoke with the selectors as well. I just would like to thank them really for everything they have done for me over the last number of years."

Brosnan says it was not an easy decision for him to retire, adding: "It will be next year really when the summer time comes when I'll really miss it, but I suppose as I said with three young children at home I have my hands full with them and they'll take plenty of my time."

Asked about his highlights in a Kerry jersey, Brosnan pointed to his first All-Ireland success with Kerry in 2004, beating Mayo in the final.

"I suppose really winning the first All-Ireland is a special one for me really. We had been knocking on the door really in 2001, 2002 and 2003 and to finally get over the line then was fantastic."