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After an intercounty career spanning more than 15 years, Johnny Doyle has called it a day.

The Kildare corner forward originally had every intention of continuing a career which began at the dawn of the Millennium but the birth of twins played a part in the 36-year-old's decision.

"At the time, I decided to go back and give it another year. Maybe if I'm honest, it wasn't as clear cut at the time. Obviously my home situation had changed and it was the first time I hadn't done any pre-season training with the group. Sometimes when you step away from it, you question yourself," Doyle admitted, adding that it feels like the right time to step away and that there was no point carrying on if he could not give 100 per cent to the cause.

"I spoke to (Kildare manager) Jason [Ryan] on Thursday night and I had a good chat with him. In fairness to him, he said he was disappointed and he thought I was calling time too early but he respected it and said 'who am I to tell you what's right,'" said Doyle, before revealing his emotions as he walked out of Newbridge's ground for the final time.

"I walked off the pitch in Newbridge and obviously my family knew...I got a bit of satisfaction out of that. There was satisfaction and maybe a little bit of sadness to think that I'll never run out in white there."

Doyle also spoke about how humbled he has been by the messages of goodwill he has received from all over the country.