Breheny calls it a day after 17 years with Sligo
HE has been synonymous with Sligo GAA for many years, 17 in fact, and now it’s the end of an era as long-serving forward Mark Breheny has announced he is retiring.
The 36-year-old St Mary’s man posted on his Twitter page that he had made the decision to retire. He said: “After 17 great years of playing Senior inter-county football with Sligo GAA, I wish to announce my retirement. It was always a huge privilege to represent Sligo at all levels. “There were many highs and lows but I will always treasure the camaraderie I had with my teammates.”
The former captain went on to thank all the underage coaches with St Mary’s, who inspired him to take up football. He also praised Sligo County Board, the management teams and the Sligo fans for their encouragement throughout his distinguished career.
“I began this journey making my debut in Navan during a National League game in October 2000 and it seems fitting that last summer this same venue served as the location for my final Championship game wearing the black and white jersey.
“To my wife Caroline, family and friends for their unconditional support throughout my playing career. I send my very best wishes to the current Sligo panel for a successful year ahead.
“All great things must come to an end and I look forward to the next chapter!”
Mark posted the tweet on Sunday and he told the Sligo Champion yesterday that he was overwhelmed and honoured by the amount of messages of good will he was receiving.
“The phone is a bit busy alright, there’s been a good bit of stuff on social media and that.
“It was a massive decision to make, it was never going to be a good time but I feel that it is the right time now.
“I was thinking of retiring maybe three or four years ago, I was asking myself can I keep going and whether that elusive second Connacht medal was going to come.
“Those were things that were all going through my head but I think it’s the right time now.
“After the Meath game I had been thinking about it, in terms of my family baby number two was on the way.
“With Sligo there’s a new management and new set-up there and I just said to myself that it’s the right time now to bow out.
“It was never an easy decision to make, it was very difficult.
“I’m still in good shape physically but it’s still the time to go now instead of picking up a knock and saying then that I should have hung up my boots earlier.
“So I think I’ve judged it right timewise and I’m happy with what I’ve done with Sligo over the years,” Mark added.
In his stellar 17-year career, he never missed a match playing for the Yeats County, a remarkable feat in itself.
“There’s no question it’s a huge amount of commitment. I never missed any match for Sligo, I was always there or ready to come on.
“I think I started 52 out of the 55 Championship matches, I don’t know what it is in terms of the League.”
He said he is happy looking back at his career, and he undoubtedly is among the top players to feature consecutively for his county in the 17-year spell.
Over such a long career there are obviously memories and highlights that stand out.
Mark said: “One that springs to mind is making my debut in Navan back in October 2000. I was 19 years old and Peter Ford was the manager then.
“It was a big occasion for me, massive, that was huge.
“Following that getting to play in New York was great and then the win over Tyrone in Croke Park in 2002, it was a massive experience to be involved at that time.
“Following on from there, winning the Connacht title in 2007 with my brother Tommy as manager.
“That was a dream come true and something we had always chatted about but never really planned for.
“To have him as manager and to win the title, especially as it had been 32 years since Sligo had won it, that was so special.
“Then there’s some massive games in Markievicz Park down through the years, beating Galway there on that Saturday evening and then beating Mayo there in 2010.
“Another big one was playing with my nephew Cian when we beat Roscommon in Markievicz Park and also getting to play in a Connacht final and Croke Park alongside Cian.
“I had never dreamt any day that would happen, all of those are fantastic memories to keep and cherish,” Mark said.
The 36-year-old is continuing to play with St Mary’s and he said he is looking forward to going back to his club and working hard at that.
“I don’t have any plans to go into coaching, I’m coaching with my school Summerhill and when you’re training too with your club, it’s still a big commitment, having to get the balance right with work too,” the Maths and Business teacher added.
With such a lengthy career for his county, Mark said he has made brilliant friends over the years.
“I’ve great friends from playing football and some of the messages I’ve been getting since I announced I was retiring have made me feel very humble.
“There’s some fantastic players from across Ireland sending lovely comments, acknowledging me as a player and the style of play I have. Those were lovely comments to get and also from the Sligo fans too, people I’ve known throughout the years, it was fantastic to get those comments now at the end.”
Mark said having played under eight different managers he’s seen many changes over the years.
“With eight different managers I’ve seen so many faces in the dressing rooms and I’ve made massive friends and been involved with so many different squads and different age groups.
“Last year I was 36 and Paddy O’Connor was only 18, I was twice his age and remembered coaching him in Summerhill when he was first on the scene and then getting to play alongside him was lovely.
“I think the last few years have been a bonus really.
“Niall Carew when he took over as manager really rejuvenated me and got me going again.
“He was patient and changed my style of play a good bit and kept me going.”
Mark said it’s very much a new set-up in Sligo this year with younger players getting a chance.
“I spoke briefly with the new manager Cathal Corey and he was disappointed but he understands my decision.”
Mark said he will be supporting Sligo on their 2018 journey. “I’m looking forward to roaring from the terraces and egging them on. I hope I don’t miss it too much but retirement has to happen,” he added.
I’ve many fantastic memories to keep and cherish from my 17 years with Sligo