IN CLARE, GARY Brennan’s ability has long been appreciated and amongst the lower-tier football counties dotted around the country, his prowess is well known.
The past six months have placed him in the spotlight more, outings in Croke Park providing a platform for him to shine.
Last November, Brennan sparkled for the Irish side that captured victory against Australia in the International Rules series.
His display prompted manager Joe Kernan to single the Clondegad man out for praise after the game.
Goalkeeper Joe Hayes is a long-serving teammate of Brennan’s in Clare and was not surprised to see him shine at the hybrid game.
Gary is a phenomenal talent and an absolute gentleman off the field. He is a super man to have.
“He is 27 now and captain since he was 23 years of age and there’s not many guys that age get the captaincy handed to them unless it’s because they were county champions.
He played with the interpros two years ago and had an outstanding semi-final and final.
“What he did in November against Australia last year was fantastic. We were all very proud watching him.
“He is a great leader and we are delighted to have him. He is one of our own.”
Brennan has not slowed up in 2016. A teacher in St Flannan’s in Ennis, he was to the forefront of a spring that saw Clare make the notable step of clinching promotion from Division 3.
Then Brennan got to hoist silverware into the air as captain when Clare won the league final against Kildare in a thriller last month.
Tomorrow Clare hope to start their Munster campaign on a bright note against Limerick.
It helps to have a player who is following in the path of towering Munster football figures from lower-ranking sides like Tipperary’s Declan Browne and Limerick’s John Galvin.
“He is very down to earth and very humble about the whole thing,” outlines Hayes.
“Gary just wants to play football and he is an excellent hurler as well. There was rumours two years ago that Davy (Fitzgerald) was looking at him.
“Whether that is true or not I don’t know. He just wants to play for his club and for Clare. He is steeped in that tradition.”
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