Former Kerry manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice, who also played with Donaghy for three years, called Donaghy a "totemic figure".

"He has been a totemic figure for Kerry since he broke into the team in 2006 and has led from the front since. He bookended his career by re-energising an ailing group in 2006 and inspiring a new group in 2018.

"Kieran came on the scene as a rangy midfielder, was converted with huge success into a target man full forward and has embraced a variety of roles on the team since. His physical attributes and basketball background meant he was outstanding as the fulcrum of the attack.

"His biggest asset, however, is undoubtedly his personality coupled with an unmatched energy. His will to win and determination to succeed are what make him different.

"He overcame plenty of disappointments to come back better and stronger. A snapshot of the 2014 season epitomised his resilience where he failed to see game time in the All Ireland quarter final but ended up absolutely central to that All Ireland win."

He also tipped Donaghy as a potential Kerry manager.

"He has the personality to go into management. He is the ultimate team player, has a strong appreciation of the team dynamic, possesses a great tactical understanding of the game and most importantly is brimming with ideas. I can definitely see him successfully managing Kerry teams in the future."

Their teammate Marc Ó Sé called Donaghy "the best teammate I ever had bar none".

He added: "The ultimate team player. Never gave up. Was never beaten. And he was some craic in the dressing room as well. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís!"

The best teammate I ever had bar none. The ultimate team player. Never gave up. Was never beaten. And he was some craic in the dressing room as well. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís ! pic.twitter.com/um0dUgVZcc

— Marc Ó Sé (@osemarc2) September 11, 2018

Aidan O'Mahony wrote: "He wasn’t called the 'Star' for no reason, epitomised everything about being a kerry legend on & off the field, safe to say we got to know each other very well inside the white lines in training for years. All for the kerry cause, only one [star]. Friend for life."

He wasn’t called the ‘ Star ‘ for no reason, epitomised everything about being a kerry legend on & off the field, safe to say we got to know each other very well inside the white lines in training for years 🤔all for the kerry cause,only one ⭐️.Friend for life 💚💛@starryboy14 pic.twitter.com/oZPNeDERFI

— . (@altsbyaddidas) September 11, 2018

Current player Killian Young called Donaghy a "Kerry icon".

He added: "Congratulations on a fantastic career and It was an absolute honor to share the Kerry Jersey with you. The very best of luck in your next chapter. #TheStar

"Ps. I won’t miss him pulling my jersey though!"

@starryboy14 is without doubt a Kerry icon. Congratulations on a fantastic career and It was an absolute honor to share the Kerry Jersey with you. The very best of luck in your next chapter. #TheStar
Ps. I won’t miss him pulling my jersey though! pic.twitter.com/f6A3hF6CpB

— Killian Young (@killianyoung) September 11, 2018

Darran O'Sullivan wrote: "What a journey it’s been with this guy! The big man with the most infectious personality. Lucky enough to play with some legends & he is one of them but he’s out on his own as the best teammate you could ever have. Thanks @starryboy14."

What a journey it’s been with this guy! The big man with the most infectious personality. Lucky enough to play with some legends & he is one of them but he’s out on his own as the best teammate you could ever have. Thanks @starryboy14 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/v8nveqawz8

— Darran O'Sullivan (@Darransull86) September 11, 2018

RTÉ pundit Joe Brolly, who Donaghy called out after winning the 2014 All-Ireland, also paid tribute on Twitter.

" What do you think of that Joe Brolly was funny at the time. Fucking cut it out now." pic.twitter.com/D6J99F7RSr

— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) September 11, 2018

The two bombers pic.twitter.com/ZtPPTcC3GL

— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) September 11, 2018

Tim Murphy, chairman of the Kerry County Committee, said Donaghy was "one of Kerry’s greatest servants".

"His leadership on and off the field was extremely important over the last year in particular as a lot of younger players were integrated into the panel for the first time," he said.

"He acted as a mentor and confidant to many of these new players and has successfully helped them understand what it really means to be a Kerry footballer.

"Kieran was an inspirational player for his fellow teammates and supporters alike. His capacity to get our supporters behind the team on match day was unparalleled as was evidenced in many a crucial match for the County."

#Kerry legend, Kieran Donaghy, has announced his retirement. One of my all time favourites! (He’s the one on the left..) pic.twitter.com/uErvIQBu27

— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) September 11, 2018

Well done @starryboy14 . Easy to enjoy the afterlife after everything you have given. Legend . Fair play.

— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) September 11, 2018

What a man @starryboy14 👏🏻🏐 https://t.co/XelESIPCxr

— John Egan (@JohnEgan92) September 11, 2018

Its with heavy hearts we read that @starryboy14 has retired - What a great guy - passion - leadership - never say die and a tough bastard too when required - he will one day manage Kerry - Every Champion was once a contender that refused to give up - KIeran never never gave up

— Mortimer Murphy (@MortimerMurphy1) September 11, 2018

Thanks for the memories @starryboy14 - you're one of the best pic.twitter.com/lnVpP3HiIl

— Deirdre Walsh (@DeirdreWalsh1) September 11, 2018

Kieran Donaghy has retired from inter-county football. End of an era. Thanks for the memories big man. One of a kind #GAA

— Damian Stack (@damianstack) September 11, 2018

Best Wishes to Kieran Donaghy @starryboy14 on his retirement from @Kerry_Official.

A real star.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/rYjGjE7cad

— sportsfile (@sportsfile) September 11, 2018

All the best in inter-country retirement and thanks for the countless memories in a @Kerry_Official jersey @starryboy14! @LiveGAAResults @MunsterGAA pic.twitter.com/p4feGbMdHQ

— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) September 11, 2018

This story was updated at 1.24pm.