Brennan putting his stamp on Oak Leafers

MICK O’DWYER’S managerial career has days, weeks at most, to run before it draws to an end but the Waterville man will be leaving behind at least one kindred spirit to patrol the sidelines when he enters retirement.

John Brennan’s legend is not nearly as gilded as O’Dwyer’s — not nationally, at any rate — but his approach echoes that of his Kerry counterpart in that he was never afraid to clock up the miles to spread gospels which share parallels.

Outposts such as Lavey, Loup, Slaughtneil, Cargin and Carrickmore have all been illuminated by his presence and this season he has guided Derry to a first Ulster final since Joe Brolly downed Donegal in 1998.