As Fermanagh builds up to the Club Championship this weekend, one man's absence will stand out for Gaels across the county.

It has been 19 years since Paul Brewster pulled on an Enniskillen Gaels senior jersey for the first time. Since that day the colossal midfielder has competed in 17 senior championships, only missing out on two occasions due to injury and a summer spent in America.

In an era where the amateur status of Gaelic football may face its toughest challenge yet, Brewster embodies the traditional GAA clubman; strong, committed and ever-present, no matter what the hurdle. Having collected eight Championship winners medals as well as leading Enniskillen to two Ulster club finals, Brewster can surely be regarded as one of the most decorated club players the county has ever seen.

Brewster did not pin his decision to hang up his boots on a lack of desire, but felt there were a number of factors.

"I have a young family now and don't have as much spare time as I used to. To be honest I loved the training but haven't been able to do it in recent years as much as I would like to. You find your fitness drops and then you become a bit of a passenger." Being the self-effacing man who has won respect from his footballing peers, Brewster also joked: "I'm getting on a bit as well if you haven't notice. It isn't for lack of trying but there is no doubt that it's a young man's game." Having acted as the inspirational catalyst for the Gaels' last Championship win in 2006, some would suggest that Brewster still has the ability to govern football pitches around Fermanagh, however Brewster himself humbly suggests that it is time for others to carry the flag. "The way I look at it now is that with a fit squad I wouldn't get near the team anyway. There are enough good players to carry the boys through and looking at some of the young lads, I couldn't even lace their boots." Whether one will agree with this self-assessment is doubtful, but Brewster feels happy with his contribution over the years and hopes this will help resist any pangs of desire to take to the field come Friday.

"I feel like I have given my all for the club since I started playing and don't really think I could do much more. On Friday I will happily take my place in the stands alongside the rest of the fans and cheer the boys on," he said.

Looking back on his illustrious career for Enniskillen Gaels and Fermanagh, Brewster highlighted one particular match as his career highlight. "Beating Crossmaglen in Brewster Park back in 2001 was definitely the best match I have ever played in," enthused the barrel-chested midfielder, who also pin pointed the Gaels' 'six in a row' side as the best he has ever played in. "That squad going full throttle was unbelievable and I have never played in a team like it. Those five or six years were great and I wouldn't give them back for anything. We didn't win an Ulster Championship in the end but that doesn't take away from what we achieved." Whether the sparkle in his boots has finally faded or not, the absence of Brewster's booming voice and powerful leadership will be sorely missed by Enniskillen Gaels and fans across the county alike. With brother Tom still flying the Brewster flag, Paul revealed he has a plan to continue his legacy. "A young Brewster was born just before Christmas and despite not living in Enniskillen, we hope to get him into a Gaels jersey some day." If 'young Brew' does make it to Brewster Park, he will have one of the best teachers around at his side.