Former Down star Mickey Linden helped his club side Mayobridge retain the Down SFC crown yesterday at the ripe old age of 42!
An All-Ireland winner with Down in 1991 and 1994, Linden has a dual role with Mayobridge as team manager and 'super sub', and he received a raptuous round of applause when coming off the bench in the second half of yesterday's 0-13 to 0-07 final win over Bryansford.
Brothers Robbie and Benny Coulter, who struck seven points between them, were instrumental in the 'Bridge victory. Linden, in his first year in charge, led Mayobridge to the Down title and an Ulster final in 2004 before they lost 0-09 to 0-14 to Armagh giants Crossmaglen Rangers.
As well as his club commitments, Linden is also part of Ireland boss Pete McGrath's backroom staff for the forthcoming International Rules series in Australia. McGrath names his travelling squad for the Rules trip later today.