Niall Carew 'delighted' as Mark Breheny retains captaincy of Sligo footballers

By Declan Rooney

Sligo's most experienced player, Mark Breheny, has been named as captain of the Yeats men again for 2016.

Breheny, who led Sligo to the Connacht final in his first year as skipper, will hope to help his side win promotion to Division 2 in his 15th season in the black shirt.

The St Mary's club man was arguably Sligo's best performer last season with 0-12 from his three championship outings, and manager Niall Carew says he was the obvious choice for the job once he confirmed he was going another year.

“He had a great year for us last year and he will be our captain again in 2016. I think he played every game for us in the league and championship as well," said Carew.

“He was a big influence for us. He played really well against Tyrone at Croke Park and even against Mayo in the final he kicked three points from play when things weren’t going well for us.

“He was a big guy for us, has huge influence off the field and we're delighted that he'll be captain again.”

Breheny turns 35 years old in January and but Carew says there was little coaxing needed to get him to fill the role again for 2016.

Like the rest of his club mates, Breheny has been give a few weeks extra away from collective training, and Carew is expecting him back fully refreshed.

“I suppose Mark is not getting any younger, but the big thing is that we gave them all plenty of rest.

“They are doing their own programmes with the strength and conditioning coach.

“There is no panic with those lads. I'm conscious that the St Mary's lads were involved with the club for so long – it's the same with Adrian Marren with Curry.

“They need a bit of a break, even if it's just a short break away form the group, it's very important.”