Comeback kid Brendan O’Brien enjoying Letterkenny Gaels journey

Brendan O’Brien probably thought his days starring for Letterkenny Gaels were firmly in the rearview mirror. 

The Monaghan native, who joined the club back in 2013, had experienced Junior A final heartbreak in both 2019 and 2021 as Buncrana and Downings denied the side that elusive Dr McCluskey Cup success. 

Closing in on his 40th birthday, O’Brien took the foot off the gas a little this term and more or less threw his lot in with the club’s second sting team. 

But in a cruel twist of fate, on the same day both he and the Gaels reserves were edged out in the Junior B decider, their senior stars finally had their day in the sun, at the third time of asking, as they overcame Carndonagh in the Junior A showpiece. 

However, as Paul Melaugh and Dougie Corbett’s charges ventured out into the province, a number of niggles and knocks meant one or two reinforcements were suddenly called upon. 

Headed for Crossmaglen to take on Monaghan champions Derrynoose O’Brien, whose home club is another Farney outfit in Emyvale, was probably the perfect man to turn to in relation to organising the logistics of the trip.   

But, as it transpired, he was also told to take a pair of boots with him, just in case. Watching on from the bench, it didn’t look good for O’Brien and Gaels at the midpoint as Derrynoose comfortably  led by 1-7 to 0-3.

But desperate times called for desperate measures and O’Brien, who lined out with former Ireland rugby star Tommy Bowe at underage level, was fired into the action.  

And with a strong wind at their backs for the second-half, Gaels were a much different proposition. Going into the final seven minutes of action they still trailed by two. 

But with O’Brien pouncing for an all important three-pointer, the Letterkenny men would hold on for a memorable 1-13 to 1-12 win. 

“It was great to get the goal and help out,” O’Brien said. “I wasn’t even togged for the county final. We’d the reserve final beforehand so I was involved in that.  

“I’d stepped back in a few times during the league, just to help out if numbers were short. But this was unexpected. I’m getting on in years now, I’ll be 40 in a few weeks time, so it was great to get that runout in Ulster.”

O’Brien had already stepped up to the plate in admirable fashion earlier that same morning, calling in at his home club en route to St Oliver Plunkett Park to make sure Gaels were fed and fueled.    

“We stopped at Emyvalle’s clubhouse that morning, yeah. It was an early enough start and it helped break up the journey. We grabbed a bite to eat and it was great. My own home house is just up the same road.” 

This Sunday, Gaels go to Owenbeg where Tyrone champions Stewartstown Harps stand between them and a place in the provincial decider. 

“It’s a massive day for the club,” O’Brien explained. “To have got over the line finally in Donegal was a huge monkey off the backs. And this is a chance now to make some more history. 

“Just a few weeks out from December, to still be heading for training, it’s just lovely for the club and the players. 

“Like, the spotlight is on us with the local media and other clubs throughout Donegal getting in contact or wishing us luck. We’re a young club but you’re talking about leaps and bounds this season. 

“We’d love to get over the line on Sunday but we’re going to have to step up to the plate in serious fashion.”