Dubs focus on curbing Murphy in final battle

PREVIEW: Dublin v Donegal

Donegal full-forward Murphy had a great tussle with Tipperary full-back Ciarán McDonald in the All-Ireland semi-final before the defender’s dismissal paved the way for a comfortable 0-12 to 0-4 Tír Chonaill victory.

Dublin fans hope that in O’Carroll, who put the shackles on danger man Donie Shine in their 2-10 to 0-8 semi-final win over Roscommon, they have a senior star who can gain a crucial upper hand in this key battle.

Murphy hit half Donegal’s tally last time out while he notched 1-5 in the Ulster final against Cavan though fellow senior Leo McLoone, man of the match in the wins over Armagh and Derry, has also been a key figure.

Jim McGuinness has delayed naming Donegal’s team so as to give defender Paddy McGrath time to prove himself after breaking his jaw against Tipp. Other influential players are Dermot Molloy in attack and Mark McHugh, son of county legend Martin.

The difficulty from Donegal’s perspective is that this Dublin team is never beaten. From their extra-time victories over Louth and Carlow in Leinster to the late 1-2 they sniped to pip Westmeath in the final, Jim Gavin’s side have consistently found a way to close out games. They return to Breffni Park, where they beat Roscommon, and the wide pitch should suit their attacking style, with Johnny Cooper, Nicky Devereux, Ciaran Dorney and Gary Sweeney all fliers on the wings. Gavin will demand a more ruthless approach and a greater scoring return from talented Dean Rock, son of Barney, while Rob McCarthy, who hit 0-3 from play as a sub against Roscommon, starts up front.

- Verdict: Dublin