Gavin set for tight affair

Jim Gavin is anticipating a low-scoring game between his Dublin team and Donegal in this Sunday’s Division 1 game in Ballybofey.

The visitors have already qualified for Sunday week’s semi-finals where they could yet face Jim McGuinness’ side again depending on results.

However, Donegal, who haven’t beaten Dublin in either of their two games under McGuinness’ stewardship, will be concentrating on a win to ensure they retain their Division 1 status.

Speaking at the launch of the Ciarán Carr Foundation in aid of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) awareness in Croke Park yesterday, Gavin believes the quality of the back-lines at MacCumhaill Park will make life difficult for each set of forwards.

“After the weekend, we have eight weeks to go to the championship and Donegal have seven.

“They used this same fixture last year to beat Cork and to launch their Championship campaign and I don’t think Sunday will be any different.

“[There are] two very well-organised defences so it’ll probably be a low scoring game but entertaining nonetheless.

“They’re very structured and very organised in defence. Obviously Jim and Rory [Gallagher] have been with them for a few years now. They’ve got some top class forwards in Murphy, [Colm] McFadden, [Paddy] McBrearty and [Mark] McHugh.”

Gavin said those from the beaten All-Ireland club finalists Ballymun Kickhams will be given their opportunity in the league after finally getting his entire panel together for the first time last weekend.

“We’ve been keeping a close eye on them in their participation in the All-Ireland series. They have played 12 games and have performed to a really high standard and we have been impressed with their performances.”

Rory O’Carroll and Ciarán Kilkenny remain sidelined for the Dubs while Alan Brogan and Eoghan O’Gara have yet to see any league action. Bernard Brogan and Paul Flynn are available for selection. Gavin diplomatically batted away a question about the Dublin County Board’s decision to postpone championship games next week ahead of the county’s Division 1 semi-final.

“The CCC made their call and we can’t control that,” he said.

Picture: YOU’VE BEEN FRAMED: Dublin football manager Jim Gavin, with members of the Round Towers GAA club attended the launch of the Ciarán Carr Foundation in Croke Park yesterday. Ciarán was a member of the Dublin club when he collapsed and died suddenly during a training session last year. The foundation hopes to raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome as well as educate those coaching GAA teams. Ciarán’s mother Gemma, in the foreground, is also taking a picture for the record