GAA royalty Jonathan is reeling in the years

Jonathan Lyne has been a great player for Killarney Legion and Kerry

Like a good wine, former Kerry footballer Jonathan Lyne seems to be maturing wonderfully with age.

The versatile star – who has always been equally comfortable and effective in the half back and half forward line – is reeling in the years having been named Killarney Legion’s Player of the Year for 2024 which is an incredible 14 years after he previously won the coveted award.

He will be presented with the John O’Grady Cup at the club social on January 31 after an impressive season during which he was the Legion’s standout performer.

The club said the fact the first time he was crowned Player of the Year was in 2010, tells it all about his commitment and dedication to the cause.

Jonathan Lyne (front right) alongside his Legion and Kerry team-mate James O’Donoghue and, at back, their then Kerry colleagues Jack Sherlock, Micheál Burns and Gavin White

“Fourteen years later, he is still a vital cog in the senior team wheel and his performances in 2024 make him a worthy recipient,” Legion said.

The club added that his professionalism and enthusiasm that saw him stand out as the top player can be held up as an example to the younger players in the club.

“If any of them can come close to replicating his career, the club will be all the better for it,” a spokesperson said.

Jonathan has, of course, also worn the green and gold jersey with distinction winning an All-Ireland senior medal in 2014, two Munster Championship medals and a National League title.

His prowess as a footballer came as no surprise as his family are Kerry GAA royalty – the Lynes of Cleeny – and his grandfather, Denny Lyne, captained Kerry in the famous 1947 All-Ireland final against Cavan in the Polo Grounds in New York.

He is also closely related to the Spillanes of Templenoe.

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