Winning start, not bragging rights over Kerry, all that concerns McManamon

It may be coming too soon for Kieran Donaghy but Kevin McManamon reckons Dublin’s All-Ireland final rematch with Kerry can be the perfect launch pad for their season.

McManamon only has good memories of facing Kerry and famously shot the crucial goal against the Kingdom in last September’s All-Ireland final.

Of course, he also used his 20 or so minutes on the field that day to win the free that Stephen Cluxton converted in injury-time to end Dublin’s long wait for Sam Maguire.

So it’s no great surprise that his face visibly lit up yesterday at the prospect of potentially starting the new season on Saturday just as they finished the last one.

“I’m delighted we’re playing them,” said McManamon. “They’re the benchmark for football for the last 10 years. You know exactly where you stand and where you’re coming from when you play Kerry. I’m looking forward to it. I’m sure Donaghy is as well, whatever he has said.”

That win last September was Dublin’s third in-a-row over Kerry having defeated them in both the 2011 and 2010 Allianz Leagues. Having previously not beaten Kerry in the Championship since 1977, they could be forgiven for wishing to keep the foot down now on their rival’s necks.

“We’re not looking for bragging rights over Kerry, we’re looking for points,” countered McManamon, who did accept they’ve put a big emphasis on Kerry games since the heavy Championship defeat of 2009.

“A lot of the lads had a bitter taste in their mouths after that one. It’s three in a row now – but that’s not what we’re focusing on. We’re just talking about getting two points on the board.”

If that’s the collective ambition, then McManamon’s hope is that he, firstly gains selection from the start and, then, plays well enough to keep the jersey. He may always be remembered as the super sub who changed the 2011 All-Ireland final but he will still try hard to nail down regular starting spot.

“I hope he (Pat Gilroy, manager) doesn’t get any ideas that the bench is where I’m staying,” smiled McManamon. “I’m hoping to be playing against Kerry. I’ve played a lot of League football in the last few years and it has stood to me come Championship time but it’s about taking the next step.”