*Gary Brennan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
Gary Brennan has called time on his inter-county football career.
A member of the Clare squad for the past thirteen years, he was one of the game’s leading midfielders during that time resulting in many honours.
Gary had indicated after the 2019 season that he would not be part of the county panel in 2020 as he had plans to travel. However COVID-19 restrictions resulted in those plans changing and when inter county football action resumed in September, he rejoined the Clare panel and helped the side to retain Division 2 status.
He confirmed to The Clare Echo this week that he will not be involved with the Clare panel in 2021.
He was an All Star nominee in 2016 and he also earned selection on the Irish compromise rules football team which played Australia.
Having been part of the Clare training panel under the then management of Donie Buckley and Michael Brennan in 2006, Brennan made his debut for Clare a year later when Páidí Ó Sé was the team manager and he has been ever present since.
Brennan captained Clare to successive promotions in the Allianz league as the Banner side moved from Division 4 to Division 2. His acceptance speech delivered in Irish after the Division 3 league final win over Kildare at Croke Park was highly praised.
He was a key figure as Clondegad progressed to the county senior championship final in 2017 and also to a Cusack Cup final but disappointment was their lot on both occasions.
In recent years his prowess as a hurler shone out as he played a key role in helping his club Ballyea to Clare senior titles in 2016 and 2018. In 2016 he starred as Ballyea added the Munster title before losing out to Cuala in the All-Ireland decider.
Gary has devoted many hours to the coaching of young footballers and he managed various teams at St. Flannans College where he is a member of the teaching staff.
The towering midfielder/forward will continue to play with Ballyea and Clondegad.
