Why Tipperary stalwart Brian Fox deserves more recognition

 Why Tipperary stalwart Brian Fox deserves more recognition

By Steven Kelly, 6/12/2020

With Tipperary having achieved that elusive Munster championship crown recently, many pundits and commentators have given a lot of the plaudits to the likes of Michaell Quinlivan and Colin O’ Riordan for their historic success. One player who many have failed to acknowledge for his contribution and commitment to this team is Eire Og native Brian Fox. Fox made his championship debut all the way back in 2009 and ever since has been a fantastic servant to Tipperary Football. He will be the key man as his side face Mayo on Sunday, December 6th in the All-Ireland semi-final. 

What makes him such an important player for his side? One example that springs to mind was in the recent Munster final against Cork. Just before half-time Cork were breaking at speed. Fox, having worked back from his number 12 position, used all his experience to rob the Cork man of possession, before setting up a fine score for centre forward Michael Quinlivan at the opposite end. This shows not just experience but also how Fox uses his football brain for the good of his colleagues. He is not afraid of winning the dirty ball. The man epitomises everything about Tipperary football. Hard work, a never say die attitude and an appetite for success. 

Fox has been there through the good and the bad of Tipperary football. He has played in numerous Munster finals at underage for Tipperary and knows what winning a senior Munster final means to the county. The football team has played 2nd fiddle to the hurling squads for so long. With everything going on in the world it is easy to see why. Speaking recently Fox explains the sheer emotion he felt. “There is just a big lift around the county. The mood has changed from being one of depression shadowed by COVID to one of real sunlight.” Having been on the wrong end of some close calls over the years Fox is one of the more experienced campaigners.

Having seen the success at Minor and U21 level Fox is intelligent enough to know the attributes that the likes of Conor Sweeney, Michael Quinlivan and Colin O’Riordan can bring to this team. However, the man himself allows the likes of these guys to flourish. Fox plays with a level of intelligence and appetite that cannot be underestimated. He will fight for every last ball and wears his heart on his sleeve. He is hungry for more success going forward. Being 32 years of age and a father of two, the Annacarty man deserves more recognition than he is given. He plays with a will to win. O’Riordan and Quinlivan are obviously significant in their scoring exploits, but their level of performance has been down to Fox’s work around the middle 3rd of the pitch. 

Being the only father on the Tipperary panel, it is easily seen in the way he goes about his business. Being surrounded by a lot of younger players one would be mistaken to think that Fox’s race has run. “They’re at different stages of their lives, as long as I feel I can give something to Tipperary football I will put on that jersey.” With the likes of Sweeney and Robbie Kiely having gone through the journey with Fox they are hungry to create more history. Having seen the success they are coming into the semi-final with a different state of mind. Fox and manager David Power will be key if they are to avenge their 2016 defeat to Mayo. 

Brian will be looking to outfox the Connacht champions and in doing so set up a historic All- Ireland Final with Dublin. The context of that is hugely significant. A century since bloody Sunday, the trivia pairing would be fitting to celebrate what has been a tough and emotional year. Fox in his unselfish manner, has given praise to all his teammates including Colin O’ Riordan. “Colin is a special case.” He feels it could be the beating of Mayo. One thing's for certain Fox himself will be hugely significant if Tipperary are to get to the final and have a go at the Dubs. 

His link play between defence and attack will allow Tipperary to move forward at pace and this is invaluable to getting his side over the line. Having that ability alone is why Fox needs to be valued more in the team. He is the difference between winning and losing possession with his donkey work on and off the ball. His added steal and experience is vital and can give Tipperary a more direct route to goal. If Fox can influence the game then anything is possible.  

Having been on the end of some tough defeats over the years, Fox is relishing his side's progression. He feels intensity is key to beating this Mayo team. Intensity is something Fox has always brought to Tipperary football. “If we are to have any chance of beating Mayo that has to be the first thing we get right.” The intelligence of Fox and how he motors around the open spaces of Croke Park will also be significant in the destiny of Tipperary’s season. One thing is for sure, Fox will give everything like he has done for Tipperary football. His importance and reliability to the Tipp cause over the years is what separates him from others. Maybe if he can push Tipperary into the showpiece final, he may finally get the recognition he deserves.