Dublin relishing second bite of the cherry

WITH half time approaching in last week’s drawn Leinster MFC final, Dublin looked certainties to win their 29th title at this level and first since 2003.

Leading by six points they were dominating midfield thanks to the influence of Eoghan Keogh and with Gary Sweeney causing havoc from centre-forward, it was all going so well for Cyril Kevlihan’s side.

But Padraig Fogarty’s goal just before the break halved the advantage and Kildare pulled level within minutes of the resumption.

From there to the end it was nip and tuck, with the sides level three times before the final whistle.

In the end, Dublin had to rely on an excellent point by Sweeney in injury time to set up today’s replay at Dr Cullen Park, after Darroch Mulhall had shot the Lilies into the lead from a free on the hour. Given that they had been staring defeat in the face with time almost up, the Dubs were glad to get that second bite of the cherry.

Kevlihan agreed: “The win is all that you want so there was understandably an anti-climatic feel to Sunday but we’re happy to have another chance. The boys are well prepared and we’re looking forward to facing up to Kildare again.”

It has been 25 years since Dublin won the senior, U21 and minor championships in Leinster but according to Kevlihan there is no extra pressure on his young charges as it falls to them to complete the clean sweep.

The surroundings today will be very different from GAA HQ on Sunday. While the consensus is that Dublin could be disconcerted by the trip down the country, Kevlihan reckons that they might well be more relaxed as a result.

“Last Sunday was a tremendous experience for all the lads but it was quite daunting at the same time. You cannot underestimate the huge challenge that Croke Park presents to young lads. They enjoyed it though and gave their all which is all you can ask of them.”

Meanwhile, Kevlihan is delighted with the character shown by his players and expects that it be required again today if they are to complete the treble for the county.

“There was never going to be more than a kick of a ball between the sides and that was proved on Sunday. We expect teams at this level to be mentally tough and Kildare were certainly that. These are all pressure games for the lads but they’ve shown great maturity as the campaign has progressed. It was an indicator of their character that they never let their heads drop after falling behind so late in the game and we’re delighted with how they’ve developed in that respect.”

DUBLIN: D Downey; K O’Brien, F Carney, A Carr; S Swords, J Kelly, G Seaver; E Keogh, C Reddin; F Breathnach, G Sweeney, C Carr; P Ryan, D Stapleton, P Hudson.