Building a legacy in Gaelic Games is not something that can be compared to a stroll in the park. And for some it can take years at Senior level.
Some of Dublin’s current legends have toiled and grafted for many years to reach the top of the mountain and thankfully now are still reaping the recognition.
But there are players dropped into the melting pot and simply rise to the top. It’s not often we get to enjoy it but there is one notable candidate that’s currently riding the crest of the blue wave.
When Brian Fenton was given the nod to start against Monaghan in the National League in 2015, Dublin were already on their current journey to 29 games unbeaten in League and Championship competitions. The Raheny midfielder has now been a part of 22 of those encounters.
Named Man of the Match in last year’s All Ireland Final, and then picking up an All Star Award in his first year on the Senior Panel was no more than Brian deserved for his work rate in the middle of the park.
And this year? Fenton has made the number eight jersey his own and has shared the midfield area with many a partner throughout the year. The RTÉ panel bestowed their greatest honour on the Raheny man by naming him their Player Of The Year following Dublin’s win on Saturday.
And with the GAA/GPA All Star Awards to come, the odds have literally been torn apart as Brian is favourite to be given the biggest prize of the night.
Yesterday on Smithfield Plaza, Brian was given a heroes welcome along with the rest of the panel at their All Ireland Homecoming. He even treated the crowd to a few bars of a song and it was very apparent that he has become much loved and respected by his colleagues and peers alike not to mention the Dublin faithful.
The last eighteen months have been a whirlwind for Brian Fenton and he is certainly revelling in the success of this Dublin team. And at only 23, his follow up year seems to be already eclipsing his debut. And that debut was something special.
There’s no telling where Brian’s story will take him. But for now it’s soaring to new heights.