Marc said that he had made his decision to retire before the All-Ireland semifinal.

“I suppose it was in my head for the year. Down through the years, I was very proud to play for Kerry, and I enjoyed having an influence on the team. I suppose I didn’t have that same influence this year, that’s what I felt.

“I might have had an influence in the dressing room, but every player wants to have an influence on the pitch... I wasn’t getting my place this year. I didn’t get my game in the Munster final ... I was getting older, 36, and maybe the legs weren’t as good. I made the decision before the semifinal, that I’d see out the year with Kerry and then that would be it for me.”

In the interview, he recalled his delight at winning his first All-Ireland medal in 2004, a year when the Gooch, Paul Galvin, Aidan O’Mahony and several other players also got their first taste of All-lreland glory.

“I felt then that the shackles were off then, we were able to go out and prove ourselves as players, and to go on and maybe win 2 or 3 more medals.”

Speaking of the highlights of his career, Marc mentioned two to Dara Ó Cinnéide.

“The quarter final against Armagh in 2006. We had lost against Armagh in 2002, and it was very hard because Darragh was captain and he had been playing really well that year ... The ones you lose, you always remember. Then when we got another chance against Armagh in 2005, we had a chance for revenge maybe. I don’t like to use that word, but maybe that day there was a bit of revenge. Darragh was unbelievable that day.”

The second highlight was the replay against Mayo in the 2014 All-Ireland semi-final.

“The supporters were unbelievable. I wasn’t starting that day, and I was really upset about it. Éamonn (Fitzmaurice) called me and told me I wasn’t starting, and I got an awful land. I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong at the time, but Éamonn’s point was that I wasn’t excelling. It was just the kick in the backside I needed. I had my mind made up that when I got my chance I would prove that he was wrong. Everything just worked out for me on the day. I was brought in after 20 minutes, because I think Shane Enright got a yellow card. I was really lucky, because if he hadn’t got the card then I mightn’t have been put on til the 65th or 70th minute maybe. I played well and we were in the final again. I really enjoyed that match.”

He said that he had really enjoyed playing, right up to 2015 when he got injured after the semi final. “This year I didn’t enjoy it as much, that’s why I’ve made this decision, and it’s the right decision, I just don’t have the speed.”

He said that he thought Kerry have a great chance for the 2017 All-Ireland if they continue they way they have been playing.

His two big regrets are the All-Ireland finals in 2002 and 2011.

“They’re always on my mind, as if they happened yesterday.”