Bernard Brogan: Travelling to training will be lonely after 12 years with Alan; Dublin team 'devastated'

By Cóilín Duffy

Bernard Brogan has paid tribute to his brother Alan, after the 34-year old called time on his inter-county football career with Dublin yesterday.

Alan packed it in after winning three All-Ireland’s; three Allianz league titles and 11 Leinster SFC crowns.

He was also named the Footballer of the Year in 2011, and picked up three All-Star awards.

Bernard says Alan will be a big loss on the pitch.

“It’s a very sad day for Dublin and I suppose more so for the family and for me,” Bernard said.

“He was a massive role model for me growing up and I probably wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for him.

“I spent long years toiling, trying to get on the Dublin team and if he wasn’t there doing it I might not have had that drive.”

Bernard says he will particularly miss travelling to training with Alan.

“We travelled together to training for 12 years together, so it will be a lonely journey to training next year.

“He has done so much for Dublin football over 14 years. I think all the comments on Twitter; on TV and Radio yesterday says it all - everyone from all over and different sports commenting on his commitment and the level he has brought to Dublin over 14 years.

“It will be hard to find someone that will follow in his footsteps.”

Bernard spoke also about the special memories of playing alongside Alan.

“With him going to centre-forward and me going inside we played a bit inside together. A lot of my positive moments in Dublin came through his hands, and him opening defences with passes and putting me through.

“As I said I wouldn’t be where I am without him, but he opened the door for me and led the way and made my journey a lot easier.

Alan Brogan with support from Bernard as he is tackled by Kerry's Killian Young in the 2011 All-Ireland Football Final. Pic: Sportsfile

“He put a lot of scores on a plate that I finished and I took a lot of the glory from him! He turned into a massive team player.

“Looking at the lads on the panel talking about it internally they are all devastated to have such a leader leave us, when they all thought he had much more to give."

Alan and Bernard were among members of the squad which celebrated their successes with a team holiday in Thailand recently.

Bernard says it was a fitting end to a memorable year.

“It was a long year, collecting four cups, and then I went on to captain Ireland as well, so I only finished up on the last week of November. Having started it in December last year, it was an 11 and a half month year.

“It was a nice end to the year. We had a good few players there and we got a bit of bonding and all sorts of bits and pieces together."