"No-one in Mayo has ever forgotten Donaghy"

August 28, 2014

Kerry's Kieran Donaghy and Barry John Keane at the end of the drawn All-Ireland SFC semi-final with Mayo.
©INPHO/Donall Farmer.

David Brady expects Mayo manager James Horan to have a plan for Kieran Donaghy on Saturday.

In his short time on the pitch during last Sunday's epic draw, the high-fielding former Footballer of the Year wreaked havoc in the Mayo defence, just as he had done in the early stages of the 2006 All-Ireland final when Brady was introduced at full back in a bid to curb his influence.

And with current full back Ger Cafferkey reported to be carrying an injury, Brady believes Horan will be carefully considering his options when it comes to who will be given the unenviable task of marking Donaghy in the replay.

"(Corner backs) Keith Higgins and Kevin Keane are not suited to that player type," the Ballina Stephenites clubman tells the Irish Daily Star.

"If it happens, he needs an option. If they see Donaghy coming in on the line it could be time to bring on their own option to follow him no matter where he goes - midfield, full back or down the town.

"It could be the likes of a sub - Tom Parsons, Barry Moran or Jason Gibbons. Maybe Donie Vaughan.

"I don't think you could be looking at Aidan O'Shea. It's too far to go back from centre half forward and you can't make four changes for one man.

"Kieran is going to play and be a threat. I don't want a case where you have two or three men back under him, leaving space for quick forwards to do the damage."

Brady continued: "He's underestimated. His ability. People have forgotten it, not because he's changed but Kerry totally abandoned that style.

"He was nearly the forgotten man. No-one in Mayo has ever forgotten him."


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