Cullen says Dublin’s dip opens title door for Cork

Former Dublin manager and goalkeeper Paddy Cullen has concerns about the county’s ability to retain the Sam Maguire.

The three-time All-Ireland winner and four-time All Star backed Cork to claim championship honours, suggested Donegal were the second best team in the country and noted Dublin’s form meant they were behind both those sides in the pecking order with little time left to improve.

“I think everyone in Dublin is worried. Looking at the way we are playing, that’s a little bit concerning. Last year we were close to being beaten by Wexford, this time it was closer again, and then we didn’t pull up our socks against Laois. We’ve missed the big guns so far but if we are missing Alan Brogan, we could be in a bit of trouble in the semi-final [against Mayo].

“And I’m a glass half full man. But when you start weighing up what’s left, and with our form, I’d be concerned. We haven’t solved the problem from the first match to the second match and from the second to the third.”

Cullen suggested that’s an area Pat Gilroy got right a year ago as their early championship form disappointed before a statement win against Tyrone in the last eight. But with only the Louth game standing out across 2012, it’s a big corner to turn.

“Bernard [Brogan] hasn’t done the business either,” he continued. “We never played in a back door but I just don’t know if that slips into your mind. But now they have to turn it on but I don’t know if we can beat Mayo given the form. Back to backs are very hard to win and we can’t question Pat Gilroy, but I’d say he was worried things didn’t come right against Laois. That’s two games on the trot. You can only do so much as a manager and players have to take responsibility.”

As for Sunday’s massive clash, unlike many other past players who have compared this era with their own and been critical of Donegal’s negative tactics, Cullen only has admiration for what the Ulster champions have achieved. “The game has changed and you just have to accept it. It was bound to happen that managers would eventually come up with a way to beat the system. Fair dues to [Jimmy] McGuinness, he’s done a job and is a very clever man. A year ago Dublin ground them down and got away and I think if Donegal knew they could win it, they would have. But now they’ve turned the tide. McGuinness has produced something special. He got them to believe they can defend; now they believe they can defend and attack. That’s a serious hurdle to clear.

“But I’d have to say Cork will still beat them and win it all. They are so physically strong and can run and run and run right until the end. If it comes down to the wire they shouldn’t be stopped by Donegal or anyone else.

“They are number one and I’d say they’ll win the All-Ireland, although they are playing the second best team in the country at the weekend and if Donegal get into the final I’m going to leave the country.”

Cullen was speaking at Vodafone’s announcement of ‘Dublin’s Finest Supporter’ for 2012. Of the five making it through to the final, the award ended up going to the youngest of the group, with Niamh Tobin from the St Peregrine’s club in Clonsilla victorious.