For the past two weeks in succession, Gary Brennan has hit the back of the net for Ballyea, while he’s not one to look for personal credit he’s certainly playing his part in an unforgettable period for the club.
Only two players on the field were recognised with All-Star awards namely the Maher brothers Padraic and Ronan who were lining out with Thurles Sarsfields. Officially no one from Ballyea collected such an accolade but Brennan believes there’s plenty of All-Stars wearing the Black and Amber.
“We definitely have a couple of them there that hauled us through when we were in very difficult patches during the game and guys stood up everywhere all over the field and did their bit that’s what it’s all about”.
Speaking to The Clare Herald, Gary referenced the moments before he struck for goal to send the game to extra time, to him it defines the mentality of the Robbie Hogan managed outfit that they never believe it’s over until the final whistle.
“We felt all year that in tight games we’d be able to come through in the end and I remember looking up before Jack took the line ball and seeing there was three in it and I said ‘all we need is one chance’ and as I say we just have that belief that we can dig it out, mightn’t always be the case mightn’t always work we wouldn’t want to be leaving ourselves with to much to do everyday but it’s great occasion for the club and the people of Ballyea”.
Gary will be the first to admit that he hasn’t scored an amount of goals playing hurling in comparison to his exploits on the football field. His effort against Thurles Sarsfields is arguably his best goal. “That wouldn’t be too hard I haven’t got too many of them” was the secondary school teacher’s view on the matter.
They play Cork champions Glen Rovers in two weeks time and the Clare football captain is excited to be lining out in a provincial final. “The season will never end” he quipped. “It’s great to be in November and looking forward to a Munster Final and keep us ticking over for the winter, another two weeks of training”.