Andrews delight for Dublin’s Kerry Killer
After inflicting damage on them in the 2011 All-Ireland final, the St Judes man once more came off the bench to find the Kerry net late on and create the platform for a famous Dublin victory over their greatest rivals.
“I wouldn’t say he’s welcome down there now!” smiled Andrews about McManamon, who is now dubbed ‘The Kerry Killer’ in the capital.
“Kevin is renowned for getting goals. It’s almost harsh on him that he’s nailed this ‘super sub’ thing. Every time he comes on he seems to deliver.
“He was carrying a bit of an injury and to get back and the work rate and the effort he’s put in, no man deserves it more to get a great goal at the end.”
However, Andrews doesn’t think McManamon meant to find the net and pleaded with him to take his point as he ran closer to the Hill 16 goal. “Oh my God, I was screaming at him from behind, ‘please just kick it over’. Then he took another solo and I was, ‘just kick it over now’, and he took another solo and then finally, whatever way he scuffed the shot, it ended in the back of the net.”
Andrews believes there is no reason for the Dublin players to doubt Jim Gavin’s attacking system.
The All-Ireland finalists have been earning plaudits with each of the 12 games from 14 they’ve won across the league and championship this year.
While it may leave them open at the back, as Kerry exposed on Sunday, Andrews insists it’s a brand of football that is just as enjoyable to play as it is easy on the eye.
The panel, he says, have absolute faith in the gospel Gavin preaches. “100%. There’s huge belief in what we’re doing and you could see it there, everyone bought into it. We have five guys coming on in every game and there’s no sour grapes if you’re not picked in the team, guys come in and deliver.”
After missing out on their previous two matches against Meath and Cork through a hip/groin injury, Andrews was delighted to start on Sunday.
“To be honest, I didn’t know if I’d be fit enough to play again this season but, similar to Kevin, the physios have just been brilliant and I kind of got back training the week of the Cork match.
“It was probably a bit early for that game but I’ve had four good weeks to try and perform in training.”
The St Brigid’s man blossomed in his role between the half and full-forward lines. “It’s been brilliant. And it is brilliant that Jim kind of gave me the responsibility to do it.”
He anticipates an entertaining final with Mayo but as a player who wasn’t in the panel for the semi-final defeat last year he plays down the significance of that game in Dublin’s thought process for the decider.
“Mayo would be quite similar to ourselves in that they’ve performed well and they play an attacking brand of football so there’s going to be huge competition for places as well.”
He added: “It’s a new season, a new group of players for Dublin. Mayo have a lot of the same personnel but for this group there’s a lot of younger guys who weren’t involved last season.
“I think it’s fair to say it’s probably the two best teams left, probably the two teams who have played the most attacking brand of football. If it’s anything like that out there, I’m sure the fans will be happy.”
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