Malone is a true legend & everything that is good about the GAA

THE word ‘legend’ or ‘great’ has been often used to describe a GAA player for many years now. Some deserve the praise bestowed upon them, others don’t.

Last weekend many top players turned out for their county teams, including some superstars such as Brian Fenton, David Clifford Shane Walsh and Michael Murphy.

But one star shone brighter than any other as he created a stunning piece of history for his county.

So hat’s off to Wexford’s Mr Dependable, Brian Malone.

This man made his 165th appearance at intercounty level on Sunday.

It’s a quite extraordinary accomplishment in this day and age and coincidentally, he has beaten the record set by Colm Morris – another Wexford legend.

Malone is a teacher in St Peter’s college. He is 34 in May and truly he is one of the real unsung heroes of the GAA. As Mattie Ford told me, ‘Brian is a true leader and gentleman’.

He made his county debut back on July 8, 2006 against Monaghan and, for the next 112 games and up to 2014, he missed only one single game – a league encounter in 2010 versus Fermanagh.

All told, his career is a stunning example of sheer commitment and dedication to Wexford.

What makes his 165 games more remarkable is that they were with a county that, for most of his playing days, has struggled in the less glamorous lower divisions.

What makes this man even more special is that he is a dual player for his club – and has continued to be during his days as a Wexford footballer.

“He has been the most consistent player over the last 10-15 years,” said Ben Brosnan. “He has looked after himself better than anybody.”

A proud Shelmaliers club man, Malone is a true champion of sport – a warrior who has sacrificed so much for Wexford.

If you try to tot up all his senior club hurling and football appearances, together with his record 165 football games for his county, you’ll find that he has played in over 350 senior fixtures – and it is heading for over 400 over the next couple of years.

Mind-blowing dedication, really, and the stuff that true legends are made of.

In any other code, say American Football, Australian Rules, Rugby Union or Rugby League, this man would be hailed as a national hero.

Sadly not in the GAA because it is the big boys who hog all the limelight.

It’s a sad indictment of the shallow sporting bubble our association can be.

Malone never hogs the limelight, he drives himself as hard as ever today as he ever did and he only craves that next victory for his county team, just as he did when he was striving for the first one.

Medals or no medals, Brian Malone is everything and more that a true GAA Legend should be.

His career is a stunning example of commitment & dedication to Wexford