Brady: we’ll let our hurling do the talking

TOMÁS BRADY says Leinster hurling finalists Dublin won’t try to out-muscle Kilkenny in a battle of the biceps at Croke Park. Opponents of Kilkenny recently sought to gain an edge on the Cats by fronting up to them physically.

This was most evident in the Leinster semi-final against Galway, with Kilkenny manager Brian Cody admitting: “We played second fiddle in the physicality stakes.”

Cody also noted pointedly: “I would say Waterford intended playing first fiddle to us in the physicality stakes in the All-Ireland final.”

But full-back Brady pointed to Dublin’s free-flowing display against Kilkenny during the NHL as a marker for what we can expect this weekend.

“We played more with abandon than anything else that day,” said Brady.

“There didn’t seem to be any fear in our lads. We ended up losing by two points. It was actually very disappointing to lose, lads felt we could and should have won.

“You have to front up to them or you’re not going to beat them but we won’t be concentrating on the physical side. We’re a good enough hurling team to compete on those terms.”

Brady was man of the match as Dublin finally overcome Wexford after two previous Leinster semi-final losses. The Na Fianna club man said the breakthrough has taken all the pressure off Dublin as they face into a first provincial final since 1991.

“If we are competitive people will be surprised. There is not much pressure on us in that sense. But it is a Leinster final so we are going to put pressure on ourselves to perform.”

Dublin’s chief injury worry is free-taker and star midfielder/forward Alan McCrabbe. He limped out of the Wexford win with a knee injury and required strapping on the injury at training on Monday.

“We’re hoping he’ll feature,” said Brady. “He’s a huge player for us. He’s been our main scoring threat. We need him fit to have any chance.”

Another player battling for his Croke Park place is Kilkenny midfielder Mick Fennelly. He started against Galway but was replaced after 47 minutes by Derek Lyng who impressed in his first game back after hip and calf injuries.

Fennelly is team captain and admits it’s been difficult fighting for his place and balancing the role of skipper.

“There is a slight bit of extra pressure but I can’t do anything other than focus on my game,” said Fennelly.