Laois hoping Micko magic works again
Thirty years ago he guided the greatest football team in the game to a memorable All-Ireland over the Dubs, to launch what became to be known as the Golden Years.
And, he had some great tussles with them in his first spell in charge of Kildare when they frustrated him many times in League and championship before what he described as "getting his own back" second time round.
Now, as Laois manager, he has the chance to beat them again in Croke Park on Leinster Final Sunday.
Despite the desire for victory, the Waterville legend expresses a regard and respect for his opponents.
"Whether we like it or not and it's great to beat them Dublin are needed at the top," said O'Dwyer.
"The proof of the pudding is that again Sunday you'll have 80,000 people in Croke Park. What other venues around the continent will you have that kind of a crowd?
"There's no better place to be than in Croke Park on the big day with a big crowd. And playing Dublin makes it better because of the atmosphere they have brought to the game. We need Dublin in the game, but we won't need them on Sunday evening!
"They can come through the back door. I'd like to win, especially since Laois have never beaten them in a final.''
There is an another reason for wanting victory.
He joked that Dublin "ran him out" of Leinster the first time he managed Kildare.
"We played them in two or three Leinster finals and they beat us. The last year I was there they beat us in the first round, I said it was time to go. Dublin won one All-Ireland title in that period, but they should have won more. They had a very good side. Maybe it was a wrong time, but I got my own back afterwards.''
Paul Caffrey, by comparison, is a novice.
Previously a selector for two years with Tommy Lyons, the community policing garda denies that leading Dublin into a Leinster final is daunting.
"It's a great honour to be involved in the GAA at this level, but this is all about the players. We'll have very little impact once the game starts.''
As a supporter (whose brother John played in the 1983 All-Ireland final), he appreciates what it means to be playing in Croke Park.
"We're happy to be in the final. We have won three matches, but we need to improve.''
Admitting that Laois were "terrible" against Offaly they "should never have beaten them and needed the rub of the green" O'Dwyer said he was amazed at how well they performed in the semi-final against Kildare.
"We played exceptionally well, but it wasn't that we made any radical changes in training. We just kept them fresh. Players came into the game with a different attitude, but it was also a big local derby.
"Next Sunday is a different game. It's all about how players feel on the day you know, like horse, hound or man.
"But the one thing they have proven is they can play well.''
Regarding the involvement of former Austin Stacks player Billy Sheehan in his team, O'Dwyer said he was impressed by him with the Kerry minor and U-21 teams and UCD.
"I can't understand how he wasn't held in the Kerry panel. He has an unbelievable engine, and is a very good footballer.''
Caffrey also stressed that the attack, as a unit, has taken on a greater responsibility following criticism of a reliance on Alan Brogan.
"They have all contributed, some more so on the scoresheet and that has been pleasing. It hasn't been a one-man show.
"We'll be looking to our players to perform and see where it takes us. I would think Laois have the better form going in. Their performance against Kildare was quite outstanding. If they reproduce that, Dublin will have to produce something special."
