National Forum

Brian Fenton Retirement!

(Oldest Posts First)

This is a big surprise! He is still one of the best players in the game and will be a huge loss to the Dubs. He is still only 31 so there is always the chance that he could make a comeback after a year off if he so desires - we shall see. In any case, congratulations on a stellar career. He is probably the best all-round footballer I have seen in 45 years following the game and he was always a model sportsman.

Gaillimh_Abu (Galway) - Posts: 1015 - 19/11/2024 20:15:47    2580365

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Yeah fantastic player as I said in the Dublin thread, good news for the rest of us chasing Sam Maguire and I wish Brian Fenton all the best in his retirement from intercounty,
I don't know his reasons but it's obvious he is still the best midfielder in the country, he might reconsider you never know after some time away.
Himself and James McCarthy were 2 mighty men to drive the team on and turn a game when the iron was in the fire.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3034 - 19/11/2024 21:19:58    2580373

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Replying To Gaillimh_Abu:  "This is a big surprise! He is still one of the best players in the game and will be a huge loss to the Dubs. He is still only 31 so there is always the chance that he could make a comeback after a year off if he so desires - we shall see. In any case, congratulations on a stellar career. He is probably the best all-round footballer I have seen in 45 years following the game and he was always a model sportsman."
No surprise… as I revealed this over 2 months ago…..!

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3029 - 19/11/2024 22:16:24    2580377

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Replying To Gaillimh_Abu:  "This is a big surprise! He is still one of the best players in the game and will be a huge loss to the Dubs. He is still only 31 so there is always the chance that he could make a comeback after a year off if he so desires - we shall see. In any case, congratulations on a stellar career. He is probably the best all-round footballer I have seen in 45 years following the game and he was always a model sportsman."
100% he was a natural fluid footballer and he had everything it took. If we had him in Longford he'd be getting the pension before he retired! I really think this now opens up the All Ireland to several more new winners. I'm thinking Donegal, Tyrone, and maybe a few more especially as there's bound to be a few more Dublin retirements

Inatfullforward (Longford) - Posts: 109 - 19/11/2024 22:50:57    2580383

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A fantastic footballer but more important a great role model for boys and girls all across the country.

tireoghainabu (Tyrone) - Posts: 338 - 20/11/2024 11:12:54    2580417

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A powerhouse midfielder that is right up there with the very best of the modern game. He owes nothing to Dublin or to our game. A truly amazing record and wishing him the very best of luck in his IC retirement.

togoutlads (Galway) - Posts: 974 - 20/11/2024 11:43:47    2580421

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What a footballer and a joy to watch but I wouldn't be surprised to see him playing for Dublin In a year or two. A year away from the game and his hunger for the game with the new rule changes could tempt him back

dave1988 (Roscommon) - Posts: 1153 - 20/11/2024 11:51:33    2580426

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Irreplaceable talent, one of the greatest and a pleasure to support such a player over the years.

But, like all players, he will be replaced.

New leaders to come to the front, it won't be the last retirement, there's plenty of quality in Dublin and its up to them to carry the fight, which they 100% will do.

I think all the #9 players will go.

But again, players wil always call it a day.

It's about what they left behind. It was a record setting era and we Dub supporters got to enjoy some of the greatest players ever to wear sky blue win bucket loads of medals.

Now it's time for a younger, hungry setup to go and try and establish themselves and achieve.

There will still be a good mix of experience in the panel.

If anything, this all just wants me to get up and go supporting, can't wait for 2025 and I'll be going to as many games as possible.

Up the Dubs

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20689 - 20/11/2024 13:00:10    2580434

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The highest compliment I can Brian Fenton is that for me he is closest I've seen to jack o Shea..he has everything that you'd wish for in a modern footballer..huge loss but I would hope he might change his mind.

CTGAA10 (Limerick) - Posts: 2380 - 20/11/2024 14:44:38    2580461

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jack o shea willie bryan brian fenton my top 3 midfielders that i have seen

mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1871 - 20/11/2024 15:20:26    2580468

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Jack O Shea and Brian Fenton are the two best midfielders I have ever seen. They are on a different level.

Greengrass (Louth) - Posts: 6144 - 20/11/2024 19:38:44    2580495

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Replying To mickcunningham:  "jack o shea willie bryan brian fenton my top 3 midfielders that i have seen"
You might be younger than me Mick but Dermot Early has to be included on the mix. I agree that all three midfielders you have mentioned are some of the best ever.

letsgetgoing (Roscommon) - Posts: 633 - 20/11/2024 21:03:04    2580498

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I never saw Jacko but Fenton is definitely the best midfielder I've ever seen. McCarthy was the leader for Dublin and drove it but Fenton was the best outfield player. I think if he gave it a few more years you could potentially call him the greatest of all time.

Bluelake (Westmeath) - Posts: 176 - 21/11/2024 08:10:52    2580522

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Replying To mickcunningham:  "jack o shea willie bryan brian fenton my top 3 midfielders that i have seen"
Jack O Shea, Brian Fenton, Brian Mullins in that order for me!

Ryanteam (Cork) - Posts: 385 - 24/11/2024 16:25:21    2581020

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Replying To Greengrass:  "Jack O Shea and Brian Fenton are the two best midfielders I have ever seen. They are on a different level."
We've been lucky to get midfielders of that caliber. Other great midfielders Mullins, Michael Murphy, Frank McGuigan, Dermot Early graced our games! Fenton is still young, but unlike Michael Murphy is unlikely to return !

Ryanteam (Cork) - Posts: 385 - 24/11/2024 16:56:20    2581028

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Replying To Ryanteam:  "We've been lucky to get midfielders of that caliber. Other great midfielders Mullins, Michael Murphy, Frank McGuigan, Dermot Early graced our games! Fenton is still young, but unlike Michael Murphy is unlikely to return !"
J OSHEA Mick OConnell B Fenton in that order

thestrapper49 (Louth) - Posts: 337 - 24/11/2024 17:51:42    2581040

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Replying To thestrapper49:  "J OSHEA Mick OConnell B Fenton in that order"
I saw Mick O' Connell play many times, and frequently he destroyed Cork with his accurate free taking and classy kickpassing.However, although he made the Millennium team, he didn't like the "rough stuff" and was easy to put off his game. He's been outplayed by Willie Bryan, Colm McAlarney and Dermot Early in major games. McAlarney in particular overshadowed him in 1968 final. Mullins on the other hand was a hard nut, and relished the rough and tumble!

Ryanteam (Cork) - Posts: 385 - 24/11/2024 19:23:51    2581053

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