Brogan: we’re ready for Kerry

DUBLIN’S Bernard Brogan believes his side is 10 times better to face Kerry this year than when they played in 2009.

That year his side imploded in the opening minutes of the All-Ireland semi-final against the Kingdom and fell 1-24 to 1-7 but Brogan credited manager Pat Gilroy for rebuilding their confidence to bounce back.

“When we played Kerry in 2009 we weren’t mentally prepared and didn’t get out of the blocks that day. But I believe we are 10 times better now and are focused on doing what we do well which is working as hard as we can for as long as we can and then letting someone else come in and finish the job,” he wrote on his hill16.ie blog.

Brogan said he just wants the players to perform to their ability and show what they are capable of.

“We need to be able to come back into the dressing room at Croke Park next Sunday and be able to look each other in the eye and know that we have given it our all.

“It’s taken a serious effort to get to an All-Ireland final but we know the hard work is only starting. We are coming to try and win but know what sort of a test Kerry pose and realise that in trying our best we will have to give it everything.”

It’s a particularly poignant moment for him given the family history. Given the reams of newspaper print dedicated to the Brogans it’d be easy to get caught up in the hype but, as yet, he’s impressed with how they’re handling it.

“There’s a lot of hype around because it’s our first final in 16 years but I’ve been impressed with how focused the lads have been.

“The hype is great for the supporters, but the players need to focus on the match and what we have to do on the day. After having a long and successful career in the sky blue jersey himself, I can tell it means a lot to my dad to see myself, Alan and Paul involved with Dublin in an All-Ireland final.”