Brogan vows not to repeat past errors

BERNARD BROGAN has vowed to take the lessons from his county’s 1992 shock defeat to Donegal and apply them at the weekend.

Last year’s footballer of the year was only seven when his side was scalped by the Ulster champions in that season’s decider but, accepting complacency was a major issue that time, he claims his side will not get caught up in the popular presumption of a Dublin-Kerry final.

“I can guarantee that hype is not something that we let affect us,” he said on his Vodafone www.hill16.ie blog.

“Our record and Donegal’s record are similar this year, but they won their league title so the challenge will be substantial. We know full well what Donegal are capable of and there is no underestimating what they bring to the challenge and how tough they are to beat.

“Back in ’92 the Dubs thought they had things under control and allowed themselves to be blown up by the hype. But in 2011 we know we are in a battle where there’ll be nothing easy. Donegal command respect because of their achievements.”

Conscious that every little bit counts the deadly attacker will be using his inside knowledge on two of Donegal’s key men having played with them in college. “I know all about Michael Murphy from my time in DCU and got to know Rory Kavanagh in Maynooth and they are leaders and class footballers who step up when the questions are asked.”

However, that won’t be enough, and he accepts it. His side must prepare for a high-intensity contest against a team renowned for their defensive capabilities and warned his teammates to be prepared to “die” for the ball.

“The style of football they play depends on them being ultra fit, super confident and very composed on the ball. They pack their defence and cut down on scoring chances and we know that every chance we get will be crucial because it takes such an effort to create those opportunities.

“This is going to be a ferocious battle — but we’re confident that we can go out and perform if we replicate our work rate and are willing to die for that ball.”