Dessie Farrell happy Derry test halts Dublin 'narrative'

Dublin had stormed to five successive wins and beat Tyrone by 21 points last weekend.

Dublin manager Dessie Farrell during the Allianz Football League Division 1 Final match between Dublin and Derry at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Dublin boss Dessie Farrell was left disappointed with their eventual Division 1 penalty shoot-out loss to Derry but satisfied they had been provided with a true test.

After losing their opening two league games, Dublin stormed to five successive wins and beat Tyrone by 21 points last weekend.

“We came here today to win the game,” he said post-match. “We didn’t do that so naturally, there will be disappointment and a sour taste in the mouth.

“On the flipside of it, a great experience for players to encounter what they did today. The whole of extra-time, the penalties, even taking a step back in terms of the opposition we are playing today.

“There had been a bit of shadowboxing going on in the league. We had beaten teams who had been very depleted in terms of player who were available to them, or resting players, dead rubbers, whatever it might be.

“And we spoke about it during the week, that the narrative that had developed externally around the team, we knew it was not a true reflection of what was going on and that today was going to be a proper examination.” 

Dublin lost Brian Fenton to a straight red card in extra-time after a clash Eunan Mulholland. With a view towards the championship, Farrell suggested he will review the footage and consider an appeal.

“I sort of half saw it. I would need to look at the video to be honest to see what went on. It would not be in Brian’s character. I saw him pushing a player; now that could be a sending off, I don’t know but anyway I am sure that the powers that be and our own county board will take a look at that and see what happens.” 

There was no sign of nine-time All-Ireland winners Stephen Cluxton, James McCarthy and Mick Fitzsimons in the matchday squad on Sunday. Farrell said he has his championship panel now as they look to defend their crown.

“We are good. Everyone is back who is going to be back. We will rest and recover and towards the end of next week, we’ll come together again, reset and refocus and go hard for the championship. That will be in the rearview mirror quite quickly because there are bigger days ahead.”