Maughan praise as Brady and O’Neill call it a day

MAYO duo David Brady and Kevin O’Neill have retired from intercounty football.

Confirming the news yesterday, manager John Maughan paid tribute to both for their contributions: “You would love to have them both available for the coming season, but that’s not possible.’’

Brady made his name as a midfielder, helping Ballina Stephenites to win the AIB All-Ireland Club title four years ago and playing a major role in the team which regained the Connacht title last year before going under to Nemo Rangers in the All-Ireland semi-final.

However, he was thrust into the role of full-back in rather dramatic fashion in the All-Ireland final of 2006 against Kerry — when Kieran Donaghy caused major problems for the Mayo defence early in the game and Brady was brought in for James Nallen, who had been operating at centre-back.

The Mayo manager explained that he had spoken to Brady in October and asked him about his intentions. At the time, he explained that he was committed to the Ballina cause and would make up his mind at the end of the campaign. When they spoke earlier in the week, Brady told him that he felt the time had come for him ‘to step down.’

Said O’Mahony: “I would like to pay tribute to him for what he did for Mayo football over the years.’’

Likewise, O’Mahony praised Kevin O’Neill for his service to the county, which saw him take over as captain last year. He is a son of the former Galway wing-back Liam O’Neill and emulated him by winning an Allstar award in 1993.

“When Mayo supporters saw Kevin perform in the 2006 championship (he got two goals in the All-Ireland final), they would have wondered where he had been all along. But, he had been out of the scene for a while. He was a brilliant footballer and a brilliant fellow. Now he is enjoying a very successful business career and it takes him all over Europe, so he had been finding it increasingly difficult to commit himself to the team.’’

Meanwhile, the Mayo management have more pressing concerns ahead of next Sunday’s fourth-round Allianz National League game against Kerry in Castlebar. Top forward Alan Dillon was forced off with a back injury against Laois last Saturday and is doubtful.

Likewise, newcomer Chris Barrett, a wing-back, is fighting a fitness battle. He didn’t play in Portlaoise, but was in the side for the opening two rounds. His problem is a groin strain.

While some observers may feel that full-back remains a problem position for the team — all the more so coming up against the All-Ireland champions and Kieran Donaghy in particular — O’Mahony has expressed his confidence in Billy Joe Padden’s ability to fill the position.

“He did very well against Donegal and Derry in the first two games, but he went into the Laois game with an ankle problem. And that didn’t help, especially when he was up against a player like Brendan Quigley.’’