Cup of cheer

TO THE list of great clear-the-air team meetings, add Corduff, Co Monaghan.

That’s where Dublin’s footballers looked in the mirror after a 2009 mauling by Kerry in the All-Ireland quarter-final and asked themselves how much longer could they take the pain.

“There’s only so much pain humans can take and we’ve been through enough,” said Dublin’s Pat Gilroy last night after leading the capital into a bright new future as All-Ireland champions.

“Even as a supporter we’ve been through terrible days and there’s only so much of that you can keep taking.”

Gilroy’s Dubs turned yesterday’s All-Ireland final on its head in a dramatic last seven minutes, snatching their first Championship victory over Kerry since 1976. It’s a long way from the dressing-down Kerry gave Gilroy’s “startled earwigs” two years ago.

“We addressed 2009 that November,” revealed Gilroy, who has Dubs legend David Hickey and ex-manager Mickey Whelan alongside him in the backroom. “I’m glad we can really put it behind us but we did deal with it in Corduff in Monaghan in 2009. There was a development squad game where we played Monaghan under the lights in the rain.”

The problems weren’t just on the pitch. “We’ve done an awful lot of work on our mindset. We’ve got huge benefit out of doing things a certain way. Some people who know a lot about the mind have been really helpful.”

Kerry may need psychological help after this defeat, which denied them a 37th success.

However, Jack O’Connor choked back the disappointment of defeat to a late Kevin McManamon goal and a last- gasp Stephen Cluxton free to shower his veteran squad with praise. “I’d have to say, we can look ourselves in the mirror and hold our heads high.

“Today showed we had plenty in the tank. Maybe it looked like Dublin’s name was written on it. They got one or two breaks.”

Even Gilroy tended to agree with that. “It’s been 10 years and our lads have been knocking on the door. One day a bit of luck was going to fall our way and today was the day.”

There was also joy for Tipperary, who claimed their first All-Ireland minor football title since 1934 with a dramatic one-point victory over Dublin.

Picture: Dublin’s Paul Casey and Alan Brogan celebrate with Alan’s son Jamie Brogan after beating Kerry 1-11 to 1-10 in the All-Ireland Football final. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy