Parting shot proves special for Brosna’s veteran keeper

AS swan songs go, they don’t get any better than Brendan Lane’s.

An amazing 26 years after winning his first Kerry novice football title with Brosna, the 46-year-old goalkeeper completed a famous double on Sunday as the north Kerry club defeated Scartaglin 1-9 to 0-11 in the decider at Fitzgerald Stadium.

For Lane, an ever present between the posts since 1983, it’s the perfect way to bow out from club football.

He admitted: “It’s great to go out on a high, winning the county novice again. This will definitely be my last year.

“I have a few creaks here and there. To win a county title at this stage is brilliant.”

Having won a novice title (85) and junior title (89) with Brosna, as well as a county championship with St Kieran’s (88), victory over Scartaglin added to an impressive CV. But this latest triumph may be the most memorable.

“This was a sweet win because we have had a long wait since we last won a county title back in 1989. The first time we won the county novice was a great feeling but after waiting so long, this was as good, if not better. I know that was my last county final so to win is just extra special.”

Lane, who made his only Kerry senior appearance in a 1994 Munster championship win over Limerick isn’t finished his goalkeeping career just yet. A crucial county league clash against St Senan’s is already focusing minds in Brosna. He agreed: “It’d be a dampener if we were relegated to division five. Hopefully Sunday’s win will give us a boost to drive on and beat Senans, and at least get to a play-off where our fate will be in our own hands.”