O'Leary, who will be 32 next May, has been playing senior football for Cork since 2000. The wing back's final appearance for the Rebels came in July's Munster final defeat to Kerry.

He told the Irish Examiner: "I have no complaints. I've had a fair innings with Cork. I'm there 14 years, believe it or not.

"I came in first when there were still league games played before Christmas. I was brought in for a game against Limerick (in 2000), I remember. It went pretty okay that day. I got a goal, which didn't reflect the way things panned out afterwards, to be honest.

"Wearing the senior jersey for Cork was the ultimate for me, something I dreamed of as a child and which came true for me as an adult. I'll always appreciate the honour of representing the people of Cork."

Cork GAA have thanked him for the 'outstanding service and dedication' he gave to the Rebels during his career. Notably, he has the distinction of being the only Cill na Martra clubman to have ever won All-Ireland minor and senior titles with Cork.

O'Leary added: "The senior All-Ireland (in 2010) was the highlight, obviously, though winning the minor (in 2000) was great craic as well. Having played for so long, and to come so close a couple of times before that, it was great to win it.

"But there were other highlights, too. It might sound like a cliche, but making the friends I did with Cork, and with other counties, that was great. Seeing the world with the team was a great privilege too - I certainly saw places I'd never have seen otherwise."

While thanking the support he has received from Cork fans, his club and fiancée Eimear and family, O'Leary was also asked about his numerous battles with Kerry's Paul Galvin down through the years - indeed, the pair were seen clashing off the ball again during this year's Munster decider in Killarney.

"He (Galvin) texted me after we won the All-Ireland, in fairness. Look, we had a few clashes over the years but I think in reality a lot of those were blown slightly out of proportion by the media," admitted the three-time Munster senior champion, who was also a league winner with Cork.

"I'd have nothing but respect for Paul as a player and I'd hope he’d feel the same way about myself.

"Yes, we had our battles in various games, those are memories I won't forget, but I wouldn't have a bad word said against Paul.

"I'd appreciate everything he did and achieved as a player, and hopefully down the road we could meet up and have a few drinks and a chat."