Brady, Bernard
October 21, 2010The sudden death of Bundoran native Bernard Brady in Reno, Nevada at the weekend has sparked a wave of regret and nostalgia in GAA circles.
Brady was a giant of Donegal GAA in the 1960's, filling the No3 jersey for much of the decade, although many observers feel that he could have played in any position, such was his ability.
His collection of medals included Lagan and Dr. McKenna Cups, Railway Cups, Sigerson Cups and club championship medals in Donegal (with St. Joseph's as captain in 1965) and Dublin (with UCD).
Born in December 1941, the Bundoran made his championship debut in 1963, although he had played Lagan and McKenna Cup long before then, being called up as a 17 year old originally.
A glance through the record of Fr.Sean O Gallchoir reveal that Brady was in the No.3 shirt every time he lined out for Donegal in the championship from 1963 to 1968, missing out on two Ulster finals in 1963 and 1966.
He won Railway Cup medals with Ulster in 1964, 1965 and 1968 - as corner back in '64 and full back in the other years. His three Lagan cup medals came in 1965,'66,'67 and Dr McKenna medals were won in 1963, '65 and '67.
His Sigerson Cup success came in 1961/1962 as part of a star studded UCD team which also included Donegal's Paul Kelly. The full UCD team was: Jimmy Finn, Tipperary, Conor Maguire, Cavan, Kevin O'Neill, Down, Sean Murray, Longford Capt, Paddy McMenamin, Mayo, Bernard Brady, Donegal; Brian McMahon, Kerry; Frank O'Leary, Mayo; Sean O'Loughlin, Kildare; Paul Kelly, Donegal; Eddie Melvin, Mayo; Mick O'Brien, Cork; Georgie Kane, Westmeath; Sean Cleary, Galway; Leo McEldowney, Derry; They beat UCG to 3-7 to 2-7.
As well, Bernard won Dublin Senior Club Championship with UCD and 1963 and 1965 and was selected on the Combined Universities team in 1963 as full-forward.
His football prowess was recognised in 1961 when, as a 21 year old, he was named Donegal Player of the Year. It was said that the success of the Donegal team revolved around their young centre-half when he was recalled to the county team. "His high fielding, his long clearances, his astute placing of the ball and his immaculate place-kicking- he sent three 50's over the bar against Armagh in the Lagan Cup- showed selectors and supporters that here was the answer to the centre half-back problem at last."
Brady scored the vital goal in the Sigerson Cup final to bring success to UCD in the final against UCC and it was said that if Donegal could find a centre-half, then their scoring power could be enhanced if Brady could be used as a forward.
Bernard was captain of Donegal in 1967 and led the county to Dr. McKenna Cup and Lagan Cup success and also to that infamous League semi-final against Galway to Croke Park when Wicklow referee Eamonn Moules deprived Donegal of a final spot when he didn't allow Neilly Gallagher to replace the ball on the penalty spot when it was blown away.
Like many players at the time, injury cut his career short, but he will be remembered with fondness from Malin to Bundoran when Donegal football is being discussed.
Courtesy of the Donegal Democrat
21st October 2010 Tweet
