Páidí Ó Sé

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Páidí Ó Sé (16 May 1955 – 15 December 2012) was an Irish Gaelic football player and manager from Kerry. He is remembered as one of the best defenders of his era.

Playing career
- He started with the Kerry minor team and joined the senior team in 1974, playing until 1988.
- Ó Sé appeared in 53 senior championship games for Kerry.
- He won eight All-Ireland titles with Kerry, plus 11 Munster titles, four National Leagues and five All-Star awards.
- At club level, he played for West Kerry and later An Ghaeltacht, winning county and divisional titles.
- Known for his tough marking, Ó Sé helped Kerry become one of the sport’s great teams in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Managerial career
- He became Kerry’s manager in 1995. In eight seasons, he led Kerry to two All-Ireland titles, six Munster titles and one National League.
- He developed several players who were his relatives, including nephews Darragh, Tomás and Marc Ó Sé.
- Ó Sé left the Kerry job in 2003 after a controversial period and became manager of Westmeath in 2003. Westmeath won their first Leinster Championship in 2004 under his leadership.
- He later managed Clare in 2007, a role that ended after a short time.

Personal life
- Páidí Ó Sé was born in Ceann Trá, County Kerry, and grew up as a native Irish speaker.
- He worked as a Garda (police officer) before becoming a publican and running a well-known pub in Ceann Trá.
- He and his wife, Máire, had three children: Neasa, Siún, and Pádraig Óg. His family includes three Kerry-playing nephews.
- Ó Sé was a colorful character both on and off the field and remained a prominent figure in Kerry GAA.

Death and legacy
- He died suddenly at his home in Ceann Trá on 15 December 2012, aged 57.
- His death was met with widespread grief in Kerry and across Gaelic football, with many tributes from players, officials and fans.