Ciarán Brady

Brady joined the Arva club at a young age and played with the club at all age levels. Due to low numbers, they often amalgamated with neighbouring club Killeshandra at underage level. The St Joseph's amalgamation reached the final of the Cavan Minor Football Championship in 2010, losing to Cavan Gaels after a replay.{{cite web|title=MFC: Lazarus-like Joe's deny Gaels|url=https://hoganstand.com/county/cavan/article/index/136157|work=Hogan Stand|date=27 September 2010|access-date=22 October 2022}}{{cite web|title=MFC: Gaels succeed at second attempt|url=https://www.hoganstand.com/county/cavan/article/index/136505|work=Hogan Stand|date=4 October 2010|access-date=22 October 2022}}

Brady later joined the Arva senior team, and the club reached the final of the Cavan Junior Football Championship in 2013. Arva lost the final by a point to Kill Shamrocks.{{cite web|last=Corrigan|first=Shane|date=6 October 2013|title=JFC final: Gaffney the hero for Kill|url=https://www.hoganstand.com/cavan/Article/Index/202238|work=Hogan Stand|access-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224150444/https://www.hoganstand.com/cavan/Article/Index/202238|archive-date=24 February 2023|url-status=live}} Arva were back in the junior final in 2014. Brady lined out at centre back in Arva's 2–11 to 0–8 win over Ballymachugh.{{cite web|last=Corrigan|first=Shane|date=5 October 2014|title=JFC final: Superb Arva triumph over Ballymachugh|url=https://www.hoganstand.com/cavan/Article/Index/225434|work=Hogan Stand|access-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219223751/https://www.hoganstand.com/cavan/Article/Index/225434|archive-date=19 February 2023|url-status=live}}

Promoted to the Cavan Intermediate Football Championship for 2015, Arva reached the final in their first year, with Brady scoring an injury-time goal in the semi-final against Belturbet.{{cite web|title=IFC: Brady breaks Belturbet's hearts|url=https://www.hoganstand.com/county/cavan/article/index/244402|work=Hogan Stand|date=19 September 2015|access-date=21 January 2021}} Arva faced Ballyhaise in the final on 4 October, with Brady scoring two points as Arva suffered a 2–13 to 1–14 defeat.{{cite web|last=Corrigan|first=Shane|date=4 October 2015|title=IFC final: Ballyhaise hold on to end hoodoo|url=https://hoganstand.com/Cavan/Article/Index/245053|work=Hogan Stand|access-date=6 December 2020}} Arva were in a championship final for the fourth consecutive year in 2016, facing Killinkere in the Intermediate final. Brady scored 1–2 as the match ended in a 3–10 to 1–16 draw.{{cite web|last=Corrigan|first=Shane|date=3 October 2016|title=IFC final: Arva and Killinkere finish all square in thrilling decider|url=https://hoganstand.com/county/cavan/article/index/261553|work=Hogan Stand|access-date=6 December 2020}} The replay took place on 15 October, Brady scoring two points as Arva were one-point winners.{{cite web|last=Corrigan|first=Shane|date=15 October 2016|title=IFC final replay: 33-year wait over for Arva|url=https://www.hoganstand.com/cavan/Article/Index/262073|work=Hogan Stand|access-date=6 December 2020}}

Arva were back at junior level in 2022, and reached the final against Drumlane. Brady scored a point and the match was level in injury time, but Drumlane won the match with a last-minute free.{{cite news|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Paul|date=8 October 2022|title=Connolly leads Drumlane to glory in excellent JFC final|url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2022/10/08/connolly-leads-drumlane-to-glory-in-excellent-jfc-final/|work=The Anglo-Celt|access-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929200504/https://www.anglocelt.ie/2022/10/08/connolly-leads-drumlane-to-glory-in-excellent-jfc-final/|archive-date=29 September 2023|url-status=live}} Brady was captain of the team in 2023, and Arva reached the junior final again.{{cite news|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Paul|date=12 October 2023|title='I don't think I've ever been as excited or motivated'|url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2023/10/12/i-dont-think-ive-ever-been-as-excited-or-motivated/|work=The Anglo-Celt|access-date=2 November 2023}} Brady lifted the trophy after Arva's 2–11 to 0–9 win over Knockbride.{{cite news|title=Brilliant Arva save their best for the big day with fine win|url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2023/10/18/brilliant-arva-save-their-best-for-the-big-day-with-fine-win/|work=The Anglo-Celt|date=18 October 2023|access-date=18 October 2023}} Arva went on to beat Ballymaguigan in the quarter-final{{cite news|title=Cavan champions Arva too strong for Ballymaguigan in Ulster Junior club tie|url=https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/gaa/derry-gaa-cavan-champions-arva-too-strong-for-ballymaguigan-in-ulster-junior-club-tie-4399704|work=Derry Journal|date=6 November 2023|access-date=23 November 2023}} and Lisnaskea in the semi-final to qualify for the final of the Ulster Junior Club Football Championship.{{cite web|last=Donohoe|first=Damien|date=23 November 2023|title=Arva unlock stubborn Lisnaskea defence to secure place in Ulster Final|url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2023/11/23/arva-unlock-stubborn-lisnaskea-defence-to-secure-place-in-ulster-final/|work=The Anglo-Celt|access-date=23 November 2023}} Brady scored two points and was man of the match as Arva won the Ulster title with a seven-point win over Blackhill.{{cite news|last=Carney|first=Kevin Óg|date=26 November 2023|title=Ciaran Brady plays captain's role in Arva's Ulster Junior final win over Blackhill|url=https://www.irishnews.com/sport/gaafootball/2023/11/26/news/ciaran_brady_plays_captain_s_role_in_arva_s_ulster_junior_final_win_over_blackhill-3801485/|work=The Irish News|access-date=26 November 2023}} Arva went on to reach the final of the All-Ireland Junior Club Football Championship with a twelve-point semi-final win over Milltown.{{cite news|last=Keelan|first=Jason|date=6 January 2024|title=St Patrick’s Arva book spot in All-Ireland decider with impressive win over Milltown|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41303362.html|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=6 January 2024}} The final took place on 14 January 2024 in Croke Park against Listowel Emmets. Brady scored four points from midfield and was named man of the match as he captained his team to the All-Ireland title.{{cite web|last=Keane|first=Paul|date=14 January 2024|title=Brady-inspired Arva make hay after the interval to take All-Ireland JFC spoils|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41308651.html|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=14 January 2024}}

In their first year at the intermediate grade in 2024, Arva reached the final against Butlersbridge.{{cite news|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Paul|date=8 October 2024|title=Arva grind it out in replay|url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2024/10/08/arva-grind-it-out-in-replay/|work=The Anglo-Celt|access-date=13 October 2024}} In the final, Brady scored 1–1 in the first half before being subsituted with an injury. Arva went on to win the final by ten points, with Brady captaining his club to back-to-back county titles.{{cite news|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Paul|date=13 October 2024|title=Arva make it back-to-back county titles with win over the 'Bridge|url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2024/10/13/arva-make-it-back-to-back-county-titles-with-win-over-the-bridge/|work=The Anglo-Celt|access-date=13 October 2024}} Arva's championship run continued, beating Drumgath{{cite news|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Paul|date=9 November 2024|title=Arva march on with impressive second-half performance|url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2024/11/09/arva-march-on-with-impressive-second-half-performance/|work=The Anglo-Celt|access-date=24 November 2024}} and Magheracloone to reach the final of the Ulster Intermediate Club Football Championship.{{cite news|last=Madden|first=Jack|date=24 November 2024|title=Barry Donnelly toe-poke dumps Magheracloone out and recovers the unrecoverable for Arva|url=https://www.irishnews.com/gaa/gaelic-football/barry-donnelly-toe-poke-dumps-magheracloone-out-and-recovers-the-unrecoverable-for-arva-LRPCIHTFOVCIPCJ2WSHV5F5IU4/|work=The Irish News|access-date=24 November 2024}} In the final against Ballinderry, Brady scored a point but Arva's unbeaten run came to an end and lost the final by a point.{{cite news|last=McMullan|first=Michael|date=15 December 2024|title=Ballinderry stop the Arva steam train and claim the Ulster Intermediate title after a late late show by Lawn|url=https://www.irishnews.com/gaa/gaelic-football/ballinderry-stop-the-arva-steam-train-and-claim-the-ulster-intermediate-title-after-a-late-late-show-by-lawn-3F6EHMMBUBBUFFPHK5G6Y42L7U/|work=The Irish News|access-date=15 December 2024}}

On 17 July 2011, Brady lined out for the Cavan minor team in the Ulster final against {{GG|Armagh|football}}. A 0–12 to 1–6 victory gave Brady an Ulster Minor medal.{{cite news|url=https://hoganstand.com/article/index/151832|title=Ulster MFC: Cavan stun Armagh to end 37-year wait|date=17 July 2011|work=Hogan Stand|access-date=12 May 2022}}

Brady joined the under-21 side in 2013, and started in the Ulster final against {{GG|Donegal|football}}. Cavan were winners on a 0–13 to 1–6 scoreline.{{cite news|last=O'Toole|first=Fintan|date=10 April 2013|title=Cavan complete Ulster U21 football 3-in-a-row|url=https://www.the42.ie/ht-ulster-u21fc-final-cavan-ahead-by-five-points-against-donegal-865179-Apr2013/|work=The 42|access-date=21 January 2021}} Brady later lined out in the All-Ireland semi-final against {{GG|Cork|football}}, where they suffered a one-point defeat.{{cite news|last=O'Connell|first=Cian|date=20 April 2013|title=Cork deny Cavan at the death to book U21 final place|url=https://www.the42.ie/half-time-cork-lead-cavan-in-tight-u21-semi-878144-Apr2013/|work=The 42|access-date=21 January 2021}} Cavan reached the Ulster final again in 2014, facing Donegal once again. Brady was in the half back line as Cavan were 2–6 to 0–8 winners.{{cite news|last=Bannon|first=Orla|date=9 April 2014|title=Cavan seal a fourth successive Ulster U21 football title as they see off Donegal|url=https://www.the42.ie/cavan-donegal-ulster-u21-1407605-Apr2014/|work=The 42|access-date=21 January 2021}} Brady later played in the All-Ireland semi-final, scoring a point in Cavan's one-point defeat to eventual champions {{GG|Dublin|football}}.{{cite news|last=Farrell|first=Sean|date=19 April 2014|title=McHugh helps Dublin squeak past resolute Cavan and into All-Ireland final|url=https://www.the42.ie/match-report-dublin-cavan-u21-1423594-Apr2014/|work=The 42|access-date=21 January 2021}} Brady's under-age career with Cavan came to an end in 2015 after a loss to Donegal in the first round.{{cite news|last=Foley|first=Alan|date=19 March 2015|title=Donegal deliver as Cavan stunned by McHugh’s late goal|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-20319332.html|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=21 January 2021}}

On 25 June 2014, Brady was a part of the Cavan junior panel for the Leinster final against {{GG|Longford|football}}. Brady came on as a second-half subsitute in Cavan's four-point win.{{cite news|title=Longford lose out to Cavan|url=https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/gaelic-games/105575/LONGFORD-LOSE-OUT-TO-CAVAN-.html|work=Longford Leader|date=3 July 2014|access-date=10 December 2024}} Cavan would go on to reach the All-Ireland final against {{GG|Kerry|football}}. The final took place on 23 August, with Brady starting in the half back line. Cavan won the match on a scoreline of 2–14 to 0–14 to win the championship for he first time in 84 years.{{cite news|title=Hayes on the double as Cavan clinch first All-Ireland junior title for 87 years|url=https://www.the42.ie/all-ireland-jfc-final-cavan-kerry-1635359-Aug2014/|work=The42.ie|date=23 August 2014|access-date=10 December 2024}}

Brady joined the Cavan senior squad in 2015. On 24 May 2015 he made his championship debut as a substitute against {{GG|Monaghan|football}} in the Ulster championship, scoring a point in the one-point loss.{{cite news|last=Kelly|first=Niall|date=24 May 2015|title=Monaghan dig deep to avoid an Ulster championship shock against Cavan|url=https://www.the42.ie/monaghan-cavan-result-report-2122229-May2015/|work=The 42|access-date=19 February 2021}} On 20 June 2015 made his first championship start in a qualifier win against {{GG|London|football}}.{{cite news|last=O'Connell|first=Cian|date=20 June 2015|title=Cavan cruise to victory over London in Ruislip|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/cavan-cruise-to-victory-over-london-in-ruislip-31317201.html|work=Irish Independent|access-date=21 January 2021}} On 3 April 2016, Brady was in the half back line as Cavan beat {{GG|Galway|football}} to earn promotion to Division 1 of the National Football League.{{cite news|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Paul|date=3 April 2016|title=Cavan back in the top flight after beating Galway|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0403/779165-cavan-v-galway/|work=RTÉ|access-date=30 January 2022}} Brady played in the Division 2 final against Tyrone, as Cavan suffered a five-point defeat.{{cite news|last=Keane|first=Paul|date=24 April 2016|title=Tyrone see off Cavan for silverware|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0424/783916-tyrone-v-cavan/|work=RTÉ|access-date=30 January 2022}}

Ahead of the 2018 season, manager Mattie McGleenan named Brady as vice-captain of the team, with Dara McVeety as captain.{{cite web|title=Senior Football & Hurling Captains Announced|url=https://cavangaa.ie/2018/01/senior-captains-announced/#:~:text=Our%20senior%20football%20and%20hurling,been%20named%20as%20vice%2Dcaptain.|work=Cavan GAA|date=24 January 2018|access-date=21 January 2021}} On 1 April, Brady lined out at centre back for the Division 2 final against {{GG|Roscommon|football}}. Brady scored a point as Roscommon won the match by 4–16 to 4–12.{{cite news|last=O'Brien|first=Kevin|date=1 April 2018|title=Roscommon lift Division 2 title with win over Cavan in eight-goal thriller|url=https://www.the42.ie/roscommon-cavan-division-2-final-3935175-Apr2018/|work=The 42|access-date=30 January 2022}}

On 2 June 2019, Brady was sent off in the Ulster semi-final against Armagh. The match finished a draw,{{cite news|last=Bogue|first=Declan|date=2 June 2019|title=Cavan and Armagh face semi-final replay after thrilling extra-time battle|url=https://www.the42.ie/cavan-armagh-match-report-4665816-Jun2019/|work=The 42|access-date=21 January 2021}} and Brady was suspended for the replay as Cavan reached the Ulster final for the first time since 2001.{{cite news|last=Bogue|first=Declan|date=9 June 2019|title=Cavan end 18-year wait for Ulster final after pulsating replay win over Armagh|url=https://www.the42.ie/cavan-armagh-ulster-semi-final-replay-4675097-Jun2019/|work=The 42|access-date=11 February 2021}} On 23 June, Brady started the Ulster final against Donegal as Cavan fell to a five-point defeat.{{cite news|last=Bogue|first=Declan|date=23 June 2019|title=Clinical Donegal dispatch Cavan to go back-to-back in Ulster|url=https://www.the42.ie/donegal-cavan-ulster-sfc-report-final-4694506-Jun2019/|work=The 42|access-date=21 January 2021}} Cavan were back in the Ulster final in 2020, facing Donegal on 22 November. Brady scored a point as Cavan were 1–13 to 0–12 winners to claim their first Ulster title since 1997.{{cite news|last=Mooney|first=Francis|date=22 November 2020|title=Cavan shock Donegal to claim Ulster title|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/1122/1179722-cavan-shock-donegal-to-claim-ulster-title/|work=RTÉ|access-date=21 January 2021}} On 5 December, Brady scored a point in the All-Ireland semi-final against Dublin as Cavan exited the championship.{{cite news|last=Neville|first=Conor|date=5 December 2020|title=Dublin beat Cavan at a canter to reach another final|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/1205/1182543-dublin-beat-cavan-at-a-canter-to-reach-another-final/|work=RTÉ|access-date=21 January 2021}} Brady was nominated for an All Star for the first time at the end of the season.{{cite news|title=2020 PwC All-Stars Football nominations announced|url=https://www.gaa.ie/football/news/2020-pwc-all-stars-football-nominations-announced/|work=Gaelic Athletic Association|date=15 January 2021|access-date=11 February 2021}}

On 22 May 2021, in a league match against {{GG|Longford|football}}, Brady was forced off early in the second half with an injury.{{cite news|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Paul|date=22 May 2021|title=Second-half surge helps Cavan see off Longford|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2021/0522/1223271-second-half-surge-helps-cavan-see-off-longford/|work=RTÉ|access-date=9 January 2022}} It was later revealed to be a cruciate ligament injury and Brady missed the rest of the season.{{cite news|last=Mooney|first=Francis|date=22 June 2021|title=Cavan boss Graham reveals injury concerns ahead of Tyrone clash|url=https://www.irishnews.com/sport/2021/06/22/news/cavan-boss-graham-reveals-injury-concerns-ahead-of-tyrone-clash-2362683/|work=The Irish News|access-date=3 November 2023}} On 23 April 2022, Brady made his return from injury, coming on as a late substitute in Cavan's Ulster quarter-final win over {{GG|Antrim|football}}.{{cite news|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Paul|date=23 April 2022|title=Classy second half sees Cavan ease past Antrim|url=https://www.anglocelt.ie/2022/04/23/classy-second-half-sees-cavan-ease-past-antrim/|work=The Anglo-Celt|access-date=3 November 2023}} Cavan went on to play in the Tailteann Cup final against {{GG|Westmeath|football}}, with Brady an unused substitute in the 2–14 to 1–13 loss.{{cite news|last=O'Brien|first=Kevin|date=9 July 2022|title=Westmeath crowned inaugural Tailteann Cup champions after late flurry against Cavan|url=https://www.the42.ie/westmeath-cavan-tailteann-cup-final-5812569-Jul2022/|work=The 42|access-date=11 July 2022}} On 1 April 2023, Brady was in the half back line for the Division 3 final against {{GG|Fermanagh|football}}, and was named man of the match in Cavan's 0–16 to 1–7 win.{{cite news|last=Keane|first=Paul|date=1 April 2023|title=Cavan secure Fermanagh revenge and back-to-back league crowns|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41107360.html|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=1 April 2023}}

Ahead of the 2024 season, Cavan manager Raymond Galligan appointed Brady as joint-captain of the Cavan senior team, along with Padraig Faulkner.{{cite news|title=Cavan appoint joint-captains as Galligan reveals first League selection|url=https://hoganstand.com/Cavan/Article/Index/330492|work=Hogan Stand|date=26 January 2024|access-date=15 December 2024}}

Cavan

• Ulster Senior Football Championship: 2020
• National Football League Division 3: 2023
• National Football League Division 4: 2022
• All-Ireland Junior Football Championship: 2014
• Leinster Junior Football Championship: 2014
• Ulster Under-21 Football Championship: 2013, 2014
• Ulster Minor Football Championship: 2011

Arva

• Cavan Intermediate Football Championship: 2016, 2024 (c)
• All-Ireland Junior Club Football Championship: 2023–24 (c)
• Ulster Junior Club Football Championship: 2023 (c)
• Cavan Junior Football Championship: 2014, 2023 (c)

Individual

• Irish News Ulster All-Star: 2020{{cite news|title=Previous Ulster All-Star Winners|url=https://allstars.irishnews.com/previous-all-stars/|work=The Irish News|access-date=10 December 2024}}
• Gaelic Life Ulster Club All-Star: 2023{{cite news|title=2023 Men’s Football Team of the Year|url=https://www.gaeliclife.com/club-all-stars-2023/2023-mens-football-team-of-the-year/|work=Gaelic Life|date=24 January 2024|access-date=10 December 2024}}

{{Reflist}}

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{{s-sports}}

{{succession box

| title = Cavan Senior Football joint-captain

| with = Padraig Faulkner

| before = Raymond Galligan

| years = 2024–

| after = Incumbent

}}

{{s-end}}

{{Cavan Football Team 2022}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Brady, Ciarán}}

Category:1994 births

Category:Living people

Category:Cavan inter-county Gaelic footballers