Brogan hails Dubs’ ‘unbelievable’ display

ALAN BROGAN made a very interesting observation when he met the press after yesterday’s runaway Leinster football final victory.

It was not merely an accurate summation of Dublin’s display but a commentary on their standing as serious challengers for the Sam Maguire Cup.

He was alluding to their midfield dominance, how Ciaran Whelan and Shane Ryan ‘just cleaned up everything’ and how their backs ‘swept up all the breaks, when he stated: “Wexford just couldn’t get their hands on the ball, or couldn’t get it inside (to their forwards)... When we have a foothold like that, we’re a very good team!”

Once again showing the way as captain, Brogan reckoned that their second half display was ‘unbelievable’ and that it was arguably one of the best displays of football from a Dublin team he had been associated with.

“It was a pleasure to be involved in it,’ he remarked.

“I don’t think you ever expect a half like that.’’

Pointing out that they had never allowed the issue of Colin Moran’s campaign to be cleared of four weeks suspension to distract them, he suggested that his display at full-back might very well see him play out the remainder of his career in the position.

However, he reserved the most praise for corner-back David Henry for the ‘marking job’ he felt he did on Wexford sharp-shooter Matty Forde.

“I played with Matty on a number of teams and he’s in the top three or four in the country. The job David did on him was unbelievable. When you can keep Matty down to two points, you always have a great chance.”

Acknowledging the necessity for the team to ‘come back down to early’ fairly quickly, Brogan joked that “this was a job for the management.”

However, on a more serious note he pointed out this shouldn’t be a major challenge for what is now a very experienced Dublin team.

“We know that we can’t get carried away. With the quality of teams that are going to be in the All-Ireland quarter-finals we’ll keep our feet on the ground,” he added.