Ciaran Whelan talks to fellow Raheny star and Dublin Midfielder Brian Fenton
In 2015 people started talking about new Dublin star Brian Fenton. Brian got his start in a National League game against Monaghan in Clones. And he left a lasting impression scoring a goal on his debut. Yes, he had won an U21 All Ireland medal the previous year. So many have, and so many have never made the transition in the senior set up.
Not only did the Raheny star make the transition look easy, he captured League, Leinster and All Ireland honours in his debut season. And to top it off was named Man Of The Match in Dublin All Ireland Final victory over Kerry. The first All Star was safely in the bag.
Most players suffer the dreaded hangover the following year, but not Brian. Dublin dominated once again in 2016. And to add to another trio of medals, Fenton was awarded his second All Star Award, and nominated for the GAA/GPA Player Of The Year. Mayo’s Lee Keegan picked up that award but the fact Fenton was nominated in only his second year as a senior was a sign that there would be a long and successful playing career ahead of the now 25 year old.
Fast forward to the current season. If anything Brian has improved even more. Now a serious scoring threat, Fenton’s season culminated in being named the 2018 PwC Player Of The Year, after being short listed along with his team mates Ciaran Kilkenny and Jack McCaffrey.
A phenomenal record for a short career
Four years, eleven medals, three All Stars and the Player Of The Year Award, unbeaten in Championship football? Where will it end?
In the latest installment of “Whelan In The Years” fellow Raheny and Dublin Legend Ciaran Whelan talks to his club mate about the 2018 season and wonders how he doesn’t pinch himself sometimes.
Brian explains, how looking back at a list of former Player Of The Year recipients, he finds it insane that his name is now on it. To be nominated in 2016 and to win in 2018 has been a very special achievement for Brian. And while he was disappointed not to win in 2016, it certainly set the bar for the years that followed.
Listen below to the full interview with Ciaran Whelan and Brian Fenton.
(Source: Dublin GAA via Soundcloud)