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Colm Cooper
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Colm "the Gooch" Cooper (born 3 June 1983) is an Irish Gaelic footballer whose league and championship career at senior level with the Kerry county team spanned fifteen years from 2002 to 2017.[1]

Key Information

Born in Killarney, County Kerry, Cooper was born into a strong Gaelic football family. His father, Mike Cooper, had a strong involvement with the Dr Crokes club, serving as a minor and junior selector. Colm's nephew Mark was a part of the 2018 All Ireland winning Kerry Minor team, a competition he himself never won.[2]

Cooper played competitive Gaelic football as a student at St Brendan's College; however, his tenure coincided with a downturn in fortunes for the college. He first appeared for the Dr. Crokes club at underage levels, before making his debut with the senior team in 2000. An All-Ireland medal winners with the club in 2017, Cooper has also won five Munster medals and six county senior championship medals.

Cooper made his debut on the inter-county scene at the age of seventeen when he was selected for the Kerry minor team in 2000. He enjoyed one championship season with the minor team, culminating with the winning of a Munster medal in 2001. Cooper subsequently joined the Kerry under-21 team, winning a Munster medal in 2002. By this stage he had also joined the Kerry senior team, making his debut during the 2002 league. Over the course of the next fifteen years, Cooper won five All-Ireland medals, beginning with a lone triumph in 2004, back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007, a fourth title in 2009 and a final championship as a non-playing substitute in 2014 due to injury. He also won nine Munster medals, three National Football League medals and was named Texaco Footballer of the Year in 2004. He played his last game for Kerry against Dublin in August 2016 before announcing his retirement from inter-county football on 4 April 2017.[3][4][5][6]

After being chosen on the Munster inter-provincial team for the first time in 2002, Cooper was also included on the team in 2004. He ended his career without a Railway Cup medal.

Cooper was first selected for the Ireland international rules football team in 2005, however, he declined to be included on subsequent squads for the competition.

Even during his playing days Cooper came to be recognised as one of the greatest players of all time. He was named Texaco Footballer of the Year in 2004, however, he never collected the All-Star Footballer of the Year title. In spite of this he won eight All-Star awards.

Cooper released his autobiography called Gooch The Autobiography in October 2017.[7] On 27 October 2017, Cooper became the first GAA player to have a testimonial dinner which was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge.[8][9][10]

Playing career

[edit]

Club

[edit]

Cooper helped Dr Crokes win the 2000 Kerry Senior Football Championship at the age of 17, beating An Ghaeltacht in the final.

Dr Crokes reached the Kerry Senior county final again in 2005 and 2006, but were defeated on both occasions by South Kingdom. However, South Kingdom are a divisional side and not a club so Dr Crokes qualified to represent the Kerry in the Munster Senior Club Football Championship. In 2006 Dr Crokes won the Munster Club Championship, beating The Nire of Waterford in the final. They advanced to the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship after beating Moorefield of Kildare after a replay in the semi-final, and faced Crossmaglen of Armagh in the 2007 All-Ireland Club final. The game finished in a draw. Crossmaglen won the replay to claim their fourth All-Ireland title. In 2010 Cooper played against Austin Stacks in Tralee in the Championship final finally giving Dr Crokes the title after the three losses in finals. Cooper and Crokes were back again the year after to win back to back county titles. They secured the Kerry title in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to make it five in a row.

In February 2014, Cooper suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in the All-Ireland Club Championship semi-final against Castlebar Mitchels which kept him out of action for the remainder of 2014.[11] On 27 November 2016, Cooper won his fifth Munster club title beating the Nire in the final by 3-15 to 0-6 with Cooper scoring two points. Dr Crokes went on to reach the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Club Football Final on 17 March 2017 and won the game against Slaughtneil by 1-9 to 1-7 at Croke Park. Cooper scored 1-2 in the final and claimed his first All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship title.[12][13]

Inter-county

[edit]

Cooper was first called up to the Kingdom team in 2002 and made his National Football League debut against Laois. He continued his rise in that year's Championship, making his debut against Limerick on 12 May en route to the 2002 All-Ireland final, where they faced Armagh. Armagh defeated Kerry in the final by 1-12 to 0-14 with Cooper scoring a point. Cooper was awarded his first All Star award in 2002.[14]

In 2003 Kerry won a Munster Senior Football Championship, but were knocked out of the All-Ireland Championship by Tyrone at the semi-final stage losing by 0-13 to 0-6.[15]

2004 proved to be a good year for Cooper. Kerry won the 2004 National League, with victory over Galway in the final on 2 May. They also defended their Munster title, before going on to win the All-Ireland Championship – beating Mayo in the final by 1-20 to 2-9. Cooper scored 1–05 in the final, including a goal where he caught a ball and ran at the Mayo defence before slotting the ball low to the net. Cooper received his second All Star in 2004 and was named the Texaco Footballer of the Year.[16]

Kerry won their third consecutive Munster Championship in 2005, beating old rivals Cork in the decider. Kerry reached an All-Ireland final, this time against Tyrone. After a bright start, Cooper was injured in a clash with Tyrone goalkeeper Pascal McConnell which limited his involvement. Tyrone won the game 1–16 to 2–10.[17] Cooper won a third All Star award in 2005.

In the 2006 Championship Cork defeated Kerry in the Munster final. Kerry advanced to the All-Ireland final, where they once again met Mayo. Kerry won the game by 13 points and Cooper was again one of Kerry's main contributors scoring 1–02. He was the Kerry captain for part of that year, although the other captain Declan O'Sullivan was restored as captain for the All-Ireland final. After winning the game, the Sam Maguire Cup was lifted by both O' Sullivan and Cooper.[18]

In 2007 Cooper played with Kerry regaining their Munster Championship title after an enthralling game against Cork, which Kerry won 1–15 to 1–13. Having been quiet for long spells, he burst into life and in a five-minute period scored 1–02. After beating Dublin by two points in the semi-final, Kerry progressed to face their bitter rivals Cork in the first ever all-Munster All-Ireland final. Kerry comfortably beat Cork 3–13 to 1–09, to become the first team to retain the title since Cork themselves 17 years before. Cooper got the goal that put Kerry in the driving seat, rising to fist the ball over the onrushing Alan Quirke. Cooper finished the game with 1-05.[19] He received his fourth All Star and was nominated as one of three contenders for 2007 Footballer of the Year. He was also named on the GPA Team of the Year.

Kerry reached the 2008 National League final, but were beaten by Derry on a 2-13 to 2-9 scoreline. Cork beat Kerry in the 2008 Munster final. Kerry nevertheless advanced to the 2008 All-Ireland final, to face Tyrone for the third time in six years. Tyrone once again came out on top winning by four points. Cooper scored six points in the final and won his fifth All Star award that year and was once again named on the GPA Team of the Year.

In 2009, Cooper was dropped from the starting Kerry 15 for the qualifier game against Antrim on 26 July, due to a breach of team discipline. Cooper came on against Antrim and made an immediate impact notching 4 frees in another win for Kerry. Kerry progressed to face Dublin in the quarter final on 3 August, a Dublin side who had won their fifth Leinster Championships in a row. Within a minute Cooper had Kerry in front with a goal and were 1–13 to 0–03 ahead at the break. The game ended with Kerry on top and Cooper silently announcing his return to form with a haul of 1–08. Cooper and Kerry brushed Meath aside in a low-key semi-final before they faced against Cork in the final. Kerry won the final 0–16 to 1–09, with Cooper scoring six points and winning his fourth All Ireland Medal.[20][21]

In April 2010, Cooper sustained a serious eye injury in an NFL Division 1 win over Monaghan. He tore a duct in one of his eyes: doctors in Kerry expressed concern about his condition. He collided with Monaghan defender Darren Hughes after seven minutes and required treatment on and off the field.[22] However, he returned to the Kerry team for the championship. After winning the Munster Championship, beating Limerick in the final, Kerry progressed to the All-Ireland quarter final, facing historic rivals Down but lost by 1-16 to 1-10 with Cooper scoring seven points in the game.[23]

The 2011 championship ended in final day disappointment for Cooper. Kerry, in control of the final having been 4 points up in the closing minutes, succumbed to rivals Dublin, who outscored Kerry by 1–3 to 1 point in the final stages to win the cup for the first time since 1995.

The 2012 championship saw Kerry lose to Cork in the Munster semi-final but go on to play Donegal in the All-Ireland quarter-final on 5 August. Kerry lost the game by 1-12 to 1-10 with Cooper scoring four points.[24]

Kerry won the Munster Championship in 2013 with Cooper getting 1-3 in the final on 7 July at Fitzgerald Stadium. Kerry defeated Cavan in the All-Ireland quarter-finals before losing to Dublin in the semi-final by 3-18 to 3-11 with Cooper scoring four points in the game.

In February 2014, Cooper suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in the All-Ireland Club Championship semi-final against Castlebar Mitchels which kept him out of action for most of 2014. He was named as a substitute for Kerry in the 2014 All-Ireland Final against Donegal which Kerry went on to win by 2-9 to 0-12.

Cooper won his eight Munster Championship medal on 18 July 2015 when Kerry defeated Cork in the final by 1-11 to 1-6 after a replay. They defeated Kildare in the All-Ireland quarter-finals by 7-16 to 0-10 with Cooper getting 2-3 before defeating Tyrone in the semi-final by 0-18 to 1-11, Cooper getting two points. In the final against Dublin on 20 September, Cooper scored didn't get on the score sheet as Kerry lost by 0-9 to 0-12 in very wet conditions.

In 2016, Kerry reached the Munster Final again and played Tipperary, winning by 3-17 to 2-10. Cooper went off injured in the first half of the game with a collarbone injury. He missed the quarter final win against Clare but returned for the epic semi-final against Dublin on 28 August. Dublin won by 0-22 to 2-14 after coming back from conceding two first half goals. Cooper scored five points in what would turn out to be his last game for Kerry.[25]

On the 4 April 2017, Cooper announced his retirement from inter county football at the age of 33. In 85 Championship games for Kerry he scored 23 goals and 283 points, and in 60 league games he scored 12 goals and 165 points.[26][27][28][29][30][31]

International rules

[edit]

Cooper has represented Ireland in the International Rules Series, in 2005. However, he has declined any invitation to represent Ireland in the hybrid game since, as he claims not to have enjoyed the experience; 2005 was a year when the series was marred by violence and intimidation.[32]

Province

[edit]

Cooper played for Munster in the Railway Cup in 2002 and 2004.[33]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Team Season Kerr Munster All-Ireland Total
Apps Score Apps Score Apps Score Apps Score
Dr. Crokes 2000–01 4 1-01 — — 4 1-01
2001–02 3 0-05 — — 3 0-05
2002–03 3 0-06 — — 3 0-06
2003–04 2 1-11 — — 2 1-11
2004–05 3 3-21 — — 3 3-21
2005–06 5 5-19 — — 5 5-19
2006–06 4 2-11 2 3-05 5 3-18 11 8-34
2007–08 3 1-14 — — 3 1-14
2008–09 3 2-10 — — 3 2-10
2009–10 5 4-10 — — 5 4-10
2010–11 5 4-27 3 2-08 — 8 6-35
2011–12 5 2-10 3 2-11 1 0-03 9 4-24
2012–13 5 5-21 3 1-12 2 0-06 10 6-39
2013–14 5 2-22 3 1-07 1 0-02 9 3-31
2014–15 0 0-00 — — 0 0-00
2015–16 3 2-09 — — 3 2-09
2016–17 5 1-18 3 1-08 2 1-03 10 3-29
2017–18 5 4-14 2 0-12 — 7 4-26
2018–19 5 0-09 3 0-04 2 0-01 10 0-14
Career total 73 39-238 22 10-67 13 4-33 108 53-338

Honours

[edit]
Dr Crokes
Kerry
AIB Kerry
  • All Ireland Interfirm Senior Football Championship (1): 2007
  • Munster Interfirm Senior Football Championship (3): 2004, 2005, 2007
  • Kerry Interfirm Senior Football Championship (4) 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008
Individual

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Colm Cooper

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Colm Cooper (born June 1983), commonly known as "the Gooch", is a retired Irish Gaelic footballer who played as a right corner-forward for the Kerry senior county team and at club level with Dr. Crokes. Regarded as one of the most skillful and intelligent forwards in the history of Gaelic football, Cooper combined vision, scoring accuracy, and game-reading ability to become a pivotal figure in Kerry's dominance during the 2000s. His career spanned from a senior debut with Kerry in 2002 at age 19 until his inter-county retirement in 2017, during which he featured in nine All-Ireland finals and established himself as the county's all-time leading championship scorer with 23 goals and 283 points from 85 appearances. At the inter-county level, Cooper's achievements include five (SFC) medals (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2014), nine SFC titles, three titles, and eight GAA All-Star awards—a tally surpassed only by Kerry legend among footballers. He was named Footballer of the Year in 2004 after a man-of-the-match performance in the final and again in 2009 following Kerry's three-in-a-row bid. Cooper also captained Kerry in 2014, though a knee injury sidelined him for that year's successful campaign. With his club Dr. Crokes in Killarney, Cooper won his first county medal at age 17 in 2000 and went on to secure multiple Kerry SFC titles, including five club championships between 2006 and 2016. His club career peaked in 2017 when, shortly before his county retirement, he led Dr. Crokes to their first All-Ireland Club SFC title with a over Slaughtneil, fulfilling a long-held ambition after serving as the team's during their 1992 minor success. Cooper continued playing club football post-retirement, contributing to Dr. Crokes' sustained competitiveness into the early 2020s. Beyond his on-field exploits, Cooper's slender build early in his career—often under 10 stone—belied his enduring impact, earning praise for his mental resilience and role-model status within the GAA. The nickname "" originated from a clubmate's comparison to a red-haired , reflecting his distinctive appearance and personality. In 2018, he was honored as Kerry Person of the Year by the Kerry Association in for his contributions to sport and community.

Early life and education

Family background

Colm Cooper was born on 3 June 1983 in , , . He grew up in a household deeply immersed in , where the sport was a central part of family life and identity. Cooper's nickname, "The Gooch," originated during his early days with the Dr Crokes club, when teammate Peter O'Brien compared his flaming red hair to a popular 1980s of the same name. The moniker quickly stuck and became synonymous with his elegant playing style and prominence in the sport, often used affectionately by fans, media, and teammates alike. His family's roots in run deep, particularly through his father, Mike Cooper, a native of Glenflesk who became a dedicated member of the Dr Crokes club after moving to . Mike served as a minor and junior selector for the club and was known for his extensive knowledge of the GAA, instilling a profound passion for the game in his five sons, all of whom played together for Dr Crokes and contributed to their Kerry win in 2000. From a young age, Cooper was exposed to the rhythms of local matches and training in Killarney's football-centric environment, with his father actively encouraging involvement by introducing him to club activities, such as his first under-8 blitz at age six. This early immersion in a supportive, sport-focused home shaped his natural affinity for long before formal schooling or organized play began.

Schooling and early involvement in Gaelic football

Colm Cooper attended St Brendan's College in , a prominent known for its strong tradition, where he played competitive for the school's team under coach Haulie Clifford. His involvement at the college included extensive match play across various competitions, reflecting the demanding schedule typical of the institution during that era. From a family with deep roots in the Dr Crokes club—his father, Mike Cooper, served as a minor and junior selector—Cooper developed an early passion for and joined the club's underage ranks at age eight. He began with introductory sessions and progressed through the development squads, captaining the U-14 team and emphasizing respect for opponents in competitive play. At minor level with Dr Crokes, around age 16, Cooper gained his first significant competitive experience in county championships, contributing to a victory over An Ghaeltacht to secure a Kerry club trophy. During these years, he focused on refining his forward skills, including scoring accuracy and , after being advised at age 14 to strengthen his right foot for greater versatility on the pitch.

Club career

Dr Crokes

Colm Cooper began his senior club career with Dr Crokes, a prominent Gaelic football club founded in 1886 and based in , , known for its strong tradition and success in the sport. The club has established itself as one of Kerry's leading teams, with a history of competing at the highest levels in provincial and national competitions. Cooper integrated into the Dr Crokes senior team alongside his four brothers—Vince, Mike, Mark, and Danny—who also played for the club, forming a notable family presence in the squad during the early 2000s. This familial connection strengthened his early involvement, as the Cooper siblings frequently lined out together, contributing to the team's cohesion. He made his senior debut for Dr Crokes in 2000 at the age of 17, starting as a corner-forward in the Kerry county final, where his emerging talent quickly justified the selection. Over the subsequent 17 years, Cooper evolved into a central figure in the club's attack, serving as a prolific scorer and influential leader who orchestrated plays and provided consistent scoring threat from forward positions. His role emphasized precision and creativity, making him a cornerstone of Dr Crokes' offensive strategy through multiple seasons. This club trajectory paralleled his development at inter-county level with Kerry, where he also debuted as a young forward.

Key achievements and milestones

Colm Cooper's club career with Dr Crokes was marked by a series of dominant provincial and county triumphs, beginning with his first medal in 2000, followed by four successive wins from 2010 to 2013, which established the team as a powerhouse in the Kingdom. The streak continued with titles in 2016 and 2017, bringing his personal tally to seven Kerry SFC medals and underscoring Dr Crokes' resurgence under his influence. On the provincial stage, Cooper was instrumental in securing five Senior Club Football Championships, including decisive performances in the 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016 finals, where his scoring and playmaking often proved pivotal. The pinnacle arrived in 2017 with Dr Crokes' triumph, their first since 1992, completing a historic double alongside the Kerry title that year. Standout performances defined many of these milestones, particularly in high-stakes finals. In the 2011 Kerry SFC final against Mid Kerry, Cooper scored a goal just 20 seconds into the match, setting the tone for a comprehensive 2-8 to 0-12 victory and earning praise for his explosive start. During the 2013 Kerry final versus South Kerry, he tallied 0-7, including key points from play, as Dr Crokes powered to a 1-11 to 0-12 win, showcasing his clinical finishing under pressure. His most iconic club moment came in the 2017 final against Slaughtneil, where Cooper's first-half goal—his 1-2 total contribution—secured a narrow 1-9 to 1-7 win at , fulfilling a long-held ambition after 25 years since the club's previous success. Beyond trophies, Cooper's resilience shone through personal milestones, notably his recovery from a severe injury sustained in the 2014 All-Ireland club semi-final, which sidelined him for nearly a year. Defying expectations at age 31, he returned in 2015 and played a central role in Dr Crokes' subsequent Kerry and triumphs in 2016 and 2017, including overcoming early-season setbacks to lead the attack in those campaigns. These club successes, particularly the 2017 , complemented his inter-county form by providing vital match practice and boosting his confidence during Kerry's own title pushes.

Inter-county career

Kerry senior team debut and early years

Colm Cooper made his Kerry senior inter-county debut at the age of 18 in the 2002 Division 2 final against Laois, where he scored 1-2 in a performance described as remarkable for a teenager stepping into senior competition. This appearance marked the beginning of his integration into the Kerry panel under manager , who had recognized Cooper's potential following strong underage performances, including a 1-5 haul for the Kerry U21 team earlier that year. Initially, Cooper often featured from the bench or in limited starts as he adapted to the physical and tactical demands of senior level, drawing on his emerging club form with Dr Crokes to build confidence. In the 2002 Munster Senior Football , Cooper earned his first provincial appearance in the quarter-final against Limerick, scoring 0-1 in a 0-14 to 1-7 victory that showcased his forward instincts despite his inexperience. His maiden championship goal came later that year against in the qualifiers. Kerry progressed to the Munster final but suffered a defeat to Cork, prompting a qualifier route through the series where Cooper gained further exposure, culminating in a substitute role in the final loss to . These early games highlighted his development as a versatile forward, learning the nuances of high-stakes play under Ó Sé's guidance, which emphasized resilience after setbacks like the provincial final reversal. The 2003 season saw Cooper's role evolve into more consistent starts as Kerry, still managed by Ó Sé, captured the title with a semi-final victory over Tipperary and a final win against Limerick, providing his first senior provincial medal. However, the team exited the series in the semi-final against Tyrone, offering Cooper valuable lessons in championship intensity during a transitional period following Ó Sé's departure later that year. By 2004, under new manager Jack O'Connor, Cooper had solidified his position in the forward line, contributing to Kerry's resurgence while refining his scoring ability and game-reading skills amid the pressures of successive campaigns.

Peak years and major successes

From 2005 to 2014, Colm Cooper solidified his status as a cornerstone of Kerry's attack during their most dominant inter-county era, playing pivotal roles in four additional triumphs following his debut-season success in 2004, for a total of five medals in his career. Under manager Jack O'Connor, who guided Kerry to titles in 2006, 2007, and 2009, Cooper's vision and finishing ability were central to the team's strategy, often delivering match-defining scores from deep positions. In the 2006 final against Mayo, he contributed 0-3 as Kerry secured a 0-12 to 0-10 victory, marking the first of back-to-back championships, while in 2007 against Cork, his 1-5 haul, including a crucial goal, propelled a 0-13 to 0-9 win that highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. Cooper's influence extended beyond All-Ireland finals, where he amassed 4-33 points across nine appearances, to Kerry's regional and league campaigns that fueled their national successes. The team claimed nine Munster Senior Football Championship titles during his tenure, with Cooper consistently scoring in key deciders. Complementing this were three National Football League Division 1 victories—in 2004, 2006, and 2009—where his leadership in attack, often tallying over 0-10 per campaign, helped maintain team momentum and player fitness for the summer championship push. Even amid triumphs, Cooper navigated significant challenges that tested Kerry's resolve, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability. In the 2005 All-Ireland final, a controversial early injury sustained against Tyrone forced him off after just 17 minutes, contributing to a 1-16 to 1-12 defeat despite Kerry's strong start, but he rebounded the following year to anchor the comeback. Similarly, in 2011, Cooper's 1-7 in the semi-final win over Mayo propelled Kerry to the final against , where despite scoring a memorable goal, Kerry fell 1-12 to 1-11 in a thriller that ended their three-in-a-row bid; these experiences under O'Connor's guidance honed Cooper's maturity, enabling Kerry's resurgence to the 2014 title, where his 0-2 in the final against Donegal clinched a 2-9 to 0-12 victory and his fifth medal.

Other representative careers

International rules

Colm Cooper represented in the , a biennial competition pitting a combined team against an Australian rules squad under hybrid rules that blend elements of both codes, such as over-the-shoulder marking and physical tackling. The series, known for its intense physicality and occasional brutality due to differing interpretations of contact rules, tests players' adaptability from the solo-running style of to the contested possessions and high-speed transitions of Australian rules. Cooper, selected as a forward leveraging his inter-county scoring prowess with Kerry, participated solely in the 2005 series hosted in , making appearances across its two test matches. During the 2005 tour, Cooper contributed to Ireland's effort in a series marked by aggressive play from the Australian side, which ultimately won both tests. As a forward, he focused on exploiting hybrid scoring opportunities like overs (similar to points) and goals, though the physical demands proved challenging; he suffered a severe after being deliberately targeted by an opponent, leaving him disoriented and requiring medical attention to rule out serious complications like . This incident highlighted the adaptation struggles for Gaelic players, who often face unfamiliar tackling techniques and verbal in the series' high-stakes environment. At just 22 years old, Cooper opted out of future International Rules involvement following the series, citing the excessive risk to his health and career from the unpunished physicality, including notable dirty tactics like clothesline tackles observed in the matches. He declined subsequent selections, including discussions for a potential return in later years, prioritizing his commitments with Kerry and Dr Crokes over what he viewed as an exhibition format not worth the jeopardy.

Provincial (Munster)

Colm Cooper represented in the Railway Cup inter-provincial competition, earning selection based on his strong performances with Kerry. He made his debut for the province in , lining out as a forward in the semi-final against , where suffered a 0-15 to 0-17 defeat despite a competitive showing. Cooper returned for the 2004 campaign, again deployed in the forward line during the semi-final clash with , which lost by a single point, 1-9 to 1-10. His inclusion highlighted his growing reputation as a key attacking threat, capable of contributing scores and creating opportunities against top provincial talent from other regions. During Cooper's active years in the 2000s, the Railway Cup underwent significant evolution, shifting from a prominent annual event to a more sporadic competition amid scheduling conflicts with club and county games, which diminished its overall prominence.

Retirement and post-playing career

Retirement announcement

On 4 April 2017, Colm Cooper announced his retirement from the Kerry senior football team after 15 seasons at inter-county level. At the age of 33, Cooper had initially intended to step away following the 2016 season but committed to one additional year, participating in Kerry's 2017 campaign before making the decision public. The announcement came shortly after a triumphant period with his club, Dr Crokes, who secured the title on 17 March 2017 with a 1-9 to 1-7 victory over Slaughtneil, marking Cooper's first club All-Ireland medal and ending a 25-year wait for the Kerry side. In his official statement released via the website, Cooper reflected emotionally on his career, stating: "It has been an amazing journey and one that I never wanted to end, but after much consideration I have decided to step away from inter-county football... It is very rare for people to achieve their ultimate dreams in life—I just have." Immediate tributes poured in from across the (GAA) community, emphasizing Cooper's enduring legacy as one of Kerry's greatest forwards. Kerry manager Éamonn Fitzmaurice described him as "an incredible servant to Kerry football," praising his and the "countless hours of enjoyment" he provided to players, , and fans alike. Teammates and former managers, including Jack O'Connor, lauded Cooper's elusive skill and on the field, with O'Connor noting he had "always been a huge admirer" and that Cooper's retirement marked the end of "one of the greatest Kerry careers." Prominent GAA figures, such as former players and analysts, echoed these sentiments, hailing him as a " of a generation" whose contributions had elevated Kerry football to new heights.

Media work and autobiography

Following his retirement from inter-county football in 2017, Colm Cooper transitioned into , joining RTÉ's as a that same year to provide expert analysis on matches. He has continued in this role annually, offering insights into team strategies and player performances during the All-Ireland Championship. In the 2025 season, Cooper commented extensively on emerging talents like , praising his potential to elevate Kerry's attack while emphasizing the need for team balance beyond individual brilliance. In October 2017, Cooper released his autobiography, Gooch: The Autobiography, published by Transworld Ireland, which chronicles his professional journey, personal challenges, family life, and reflections on Kerry's successes. The book quickly became a , topping the Irish hardback charts in its debut week and maintaining strong sales into November. Promotional events included interviews and signings, where Cooper discussed the emotional toll of elite-level sport and his gratitude toward supporters. That same month, on 27 October 2017, Cooper hosted the first-ever GAA testimonial dinner at Dublin's InterContinental Hotel, a corporate event celebrating his that raised funds for charities including Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin and Kerry Parents and Friends of the Mentally Handicapped. Though controversial for diverging from traditional GAA amateur ethos, over half the proceeds went to good causes, with Cooper defending it as a milestone recognition rather than personal gain. Cooper has also taken on occasional coaching duties, joining the Dr Crokes senior football backroom team in 2021 to mentor players at club level. In media appearances beyond , he has served as an informal ambassador for , weighing in on rule innovations; for instance, in July 2025, he praised the introduction of the two-point arc for shots from beyond 40 meters, calling it a positive step toward more entertaining, end-to-end games.

Career statistics

Inter-county

Colm Cooper's inter-county career with the Kerry senior football team spanned from 2002 to 2016 for championship matches and extended into 2017 for league fixtures, culminating in his retirement announcement on 4 April 2017. Over this period, he established himself as one of Kerry's most prolific forwards, amassing significant scoring totals across various competitions. His contributions were particularly notable in the (SFC) and , where he combined goals and points to deliver consistent performances. In championship play, Cooper made 85 appearances, scoring 23 goals and 283 points for a total of 352 points (calculated as 3 points per goal plus individual points). These figures encompass matches in the SFC, SFC qualifiers, and knockout stages from 2002 to 2016. In the , he featured in 60 appearances, registering 12 goals and 164 points for a total of 200 points, covering divisions and rounds from 2002 to early 2017. The following table summarizes Cooper's overall inter-county scoring statistics:
CompetitionAppearancesGoalsPointsTotal Points
SFC (incl. )8523283352
6012164200
Representative examples highlight his scoring prowess in key competitions. In the 2011 SFC, Cooper topped the national championship scoring charts with 2-27 (33 points) across six games, including notable contributions in the final and semi-final. During the 2008 SFC semi-final replay against Cork, he delivered one of his highest individual hauls with 1-8 (11 points). In the 2004 SFC final versus Mayo, he scored 1-5 (8 points), aiding Kerry's victory. Championship performances were equally impactful; for instance, in the 2009 SFC, he contributed 1-34 (37 points) overall, with 0-25 from frees, underscoring his accuracy from placed balls. These tallies reflect his role as a versatile scorer, blending goals from play, pointed efforts, and dead-ball situations across SFC and SFC fixtures.

Club

Colm Cooper's club career with Dr Crokes, spanning from 2000 to 2019, saw him make 108 appearances and score 53 goals and 338 points, for a total of 497 points (calculated as 3 points per goal plus individual points). He continued playing after his 2017 inter-county retirement until retiring from club football around 2019. His contributions were pivotal in the club's successes, including six (SFC) titles, five Munster Club SFC titles, and two All-Ireland Club SFC titles (2016 and 2017), with his scoring peaking in the 2017 All-Ireland victory. The statistics below cover major competitions up to 2017. The following table provides a breakdown of his statistics by major competition, including appearances, scoring totals, per-game averages (points equivalent, where 1 goal = 3 points), and seasonal highs.
CompetitionAppearancesGoals-PointsTotal Points EquivalentPer-Game AverageSeasonal High (Year)
Kerry SFC7242-2453715.27-18 (2013)
Club SFC258-65893.60-10 (2016)
All-Ireland Club SFC113-28373.41-4 (2017)
Overall10853-3384974.6-
These figures reflect his consistent performance across levels, with the 2017 Club SFC final marking a highlight of his club career, where he scored 1-2 in Dr Crokes' 1-9 to 1-7 win over Slaughtneil.

Honours

Club honours

Colm Cooper enjoyed a distinguished club career with Dr Crokes, securing multiple senior team honours in Kerry and beyond.

Kerry Senior Football Championships

Dr Crokes, with Cooper as a central figure, won eight Kerry Senior Football Championships during his senior playing years: 2000, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2017.

Munster Senior Club Football Championships

The club captured six Senior Club Football Championships with Cooper on the team: 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2018.

All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship

Dr Crokes achieved their second title in 2017, defeating Slaughtneil by 1-11 to 1-10 in the final at , where Cooper scored 1-2. Other club honours during Cooper's tenure include several Kerry Under-21 A Football Championships (2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008) and East Kerry Senior Football Championships (2000, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017).

Inter-county honours

Cooper achieved numerous team honours during his inter-county career with Kerry in the (GAA). He won five All-Ireland Senior Football Championships in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2014, including a panel member's medal in the latter year following a season-ending injury. He secured nine Munster Senior Football Championships in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Cooper was also part of four victorious campaigns in 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2009. Notable runner-up finishes include four finals in 2005 (defeat to Tyrone), 2011 (defeat to ), 2015 (defeat to ), and 2016 (defeat to ). His clinical finishing and playmaking were pivotal in many of these Kerry triumphs.

Individual awards

Colm Cooper amassed an impressive collection of individual accolades throughout his inter-county career with Kerry, highlighting his status as one of Gaelic football's premier forwards. His eight GAA All Star selections underscore his consistent excellence, with awards recognizing his scoring prowess, vision, and game-changing performances across multiple seasons. In 2002, as a 19-year-old debutant, Cooper earned his first award after contributing significantly to Kerry's final appearance, scoring a point in the decider against . He followed this with further honors in 2004 and 2005, coinciding with Kerry's successes. The 2004 season marked a pinnacle, as Cooper not only secured his second but was also named Footballer of the Year for his starring role in Kerry's triumph, where he scored 1-5 (1-4 from play) in the final against Mayo. Cooper's form continued into the late , earning in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013—bringing his total to eight, a figure surpassed only by among Kerry players. In 2009, he topped the scoring charts with 1-34 points, including crucial contributions in Kerry's path to another title, such as 1-7 against in the quarter-final. His sixth came in 2010, the same year he was named Munster Senior Footballer of the Year at the Bord Gáis Energy Awards for his influential displays. The 2011 award capped a sequence of four consecutive selections, reflecting his sustained impact despite Kerry's final loss that year. Beyond playing honors, Cooper received post-retirement recognition in 2018 when he was awarded Kerry Person of the Year by the Kerry Association in , acknowledging his contributions to the county's sporting heritage.
YearAwardDetails
2002GAA First award as a debutant forward.
2004GAA Second award; key performer in win.
2004 Footballer of the YearNational player of the year honor.
2005GAA Third award during dominance.
2007GAA Fourth award in -winning season.
2009GAA Fifth award; topped championship scoring (1-34).
2010GAA Sixth award; Footballer of the Year.
2011GAA Seventh award.
2013GAA Eighth and final award.
2018Kerry Person of the YearPost-retirement honor by Kerry Association.

References

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