Month: September 2021

CORK GAA HAVE today announced the appointment of Aidan O’Connell as the county’s new high-performance manager, as he leaves his role as Munster Rugby’s senior strength and conditioning coach.

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O’Connell, who previously worked with the Cork senior footballers from 2008 to 2012, had been with Munster for the last 15 years, having also been on the staff at Leinster.

The Cork native emerged as the outstanding candidate from a ‘rigorous interview process’ and he brings a wealth of experience to the role. 

Cork GAA say the appointment process was overseen by county secretary Kevin O’Donovan, Cian O’Neill of CIT, former Cork managers Brian Cuthbert and Kieran Kingston, and Doug Howlett.

Supporters group Cairde Chorcaí will fund half of the salary for O’Connell’s role.

“I am absolutely delighted that someone of the calibre and experience of Aidan O’Connell is joining the Cork GAA team,” county chairperson Tracey Kennedy said.

“The position of high-performance manager will be a vital one in ensuring that we maximise the achievement of our inter-county teams in an increasingly demanding and competitive environment, and Aidan brings a wealth of practical experience to this role, along with a strong GAA background.

He has come through a rigorous interview process, and we are very lucky to have secured his services.

“On behalf of Cork County Board, I would like to warmly welcome Aidan to the team and wish him every success in this new role.” 

O’Connell will be responsible for all high-performance matters within Cork GAA and will partner with the CEO, Cork GAA staff and team managers in both hurling and football to develop and strengthen strategies relating to player development within the organisation.  

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Carla Rowe (left) celebrates with Lyndsey Davey and Ciara Trant at the full-time whistle.

Source: Sam Barnes/SPORTSFILE

AFTER ALL THE drama that unfolded on a colourful afternoon at Croke Park yesterday, three in-a-row chasing Dublin were in buoyant form deep in the bowels of the Hogan Stand.

It was job done and onto the next one for Mick Bohan and his team of Blues Sisters after their six-point All-Ireland semi-final win over arch-rivals Cork. 

Having just written more history in front of 10,886 at HQ where the last-four clashes were staged for the first time ever, steely centre-half forward Niamh McEvoy was first into the press conference room to face the media. 

The smile on her face said it all. 

A sixth consecutive All-Ireland final reached, the St Sylvester’s star was evidently over the moon. But as her manager Bohan settled into his seat beside her, it was business as usual.

“We’re not going to run away with ourselves here,” she began when asked for her immediate thoughts.

I know obviously there was a lot of talk coming into the game, we’re rivals with Cork for years and we’ve played them in some very, very tight games but at the end of the day, it was only a semi-final.

“We’re not going to lose the run of ourselves, we have a good bit of work to do. I know I say this every time but Mick’s going to come back with lots and lots from that tape for us to work on.”

When Carla Rowe entered the fold, she was of the same mindset. It’s all well and good to win and prevail, but ultimately it’s all about the next day.

“It was a fantastic game and it’s brilliant to have got out to Croke Park today. For four teams with that crowd, it was a great day out, but we have another game to go.

“We know we won’t be remembered for winning this game, a semi-final.”

Niamh McEvoy excellently fields a high ball.

Source: Eóin Noonan/SPORTSFILE

With the lower Hogan Stand full to the brim with blue and red, and green, red and maroon after the earlier semi-final meeting of Mayo and Galway, both players noted how the milestone opening of Croke Park for semi-finals was rather special.

“You have to take these games as you can,” 2018 Player of the Match in the final in front of a record-breaking attendance of 50,141 Rowe added on walking out on the hallowed turf. 

“It’s the first time ever that a semi-final has been here and personally, I just like to take it in. On days like this you have to perform, you want to play well as a team and you want to do all you can for the county of Dublin. You just have to enjoy it.”

And McEvoy soon interjected with her own thoughts, reflecting on last year’s 1,000 showing at last year’s Dr Hyde Park semi-final double-header:

I think it was a great step forward for the LGFA. I think they have done great work, this was a bit of a trial and if you think about in there were 10,000 here — that’s 9,000 if not more than was at our semi-final last year.

“Hopefully as the profile of the game keeps building you’ll get more and more at the semi-finals. We love playing on the best surface in the country so we love playing in Croke Park.”

Then, in jumped Bohan after answering standard questions about his side’s performance, his advocacy for the sin-bin rule and how that could work in the men’s game, and the injury fears surrounding star forward Nicole Owens. 

The Clontarf clubman stressed how important of a step it was, adding that children shouldn’t be brought up with the mindset that boys can aspire to play at GAA HQ, and girls can only dream of lining out at smaller grounds around the country.

“The reality is Croke Park has its own aura about it with the stories and the history that goes with it,” he said, “but to bring your family and your kids to Croke Park for any occasion is fabulous, completely different to anywhere else.

“We’re terribly aware coming into this that it was a huge occasion and Croke Park made it a bigger occasion. I think if we’re genuine about this as GAA people that’s the way we have to go.

Bohan after last year’s All-Ireland final win.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

I didn’t bring up my kids for the fellas to play in Croke Park and the girls to play somewhere else — I didn’t do that. If we talk about equality, we have to back it up.

“We’re very aware of the fact that once you put your hand up looking for equality then we must deliver with our performances because people come here to be entertained.”

Entertained, they were, by two of the fiercest rivalries in ladies football. 

Looking back on Dublin and Cork’s epic competitiveness against one another, and immense mutual respect, the first thing that springs to mind for Bohan is his side finally getting over the line in the 2017 All-Ireland final.

But that one came against Mayo. Of course, prior to that, Cork had inflicted three heartbreaking decider defeats in-a-row on the Jackies. Last September, they finally got the Cork monkey off their back in championship football. 

“First of all winning the All-Ireland in 2017 was huge,” Bohan noted. “Getting to this stage at any time… When you look at the sport from a helicopter view, I’d want every player to experience that day (All-Ireland final) at least once.

“That’s obviously not possible. These next three weeks are the best three weeks of your life. You’re preparing at a really high level with a view to playing the biggest game of the year. That’s what drives them.

I can understand why Cork became so dominant because this becomes a drug — you want it and you want it as often as you can get it and the adrenaline buzz that comes from that.

“Winning an All-Ireland after what they had gone through over the three years was the goal, no more than that at the start. The minute we had done that we were told we hadn’t beaten Cork. I’d say we had only left Croke Park and people were saying that.

“I even remember being approached that night at the banquet and that’s what was said to me: ‘You haven’t beaten Cork’. You’re there saying, ‘Honestly? We beat who was put in front of us and we can only do that’.

“Immediately the second year [2018] it was a bigger focus because it was built up that we hadn’t beaten Cork and then that monkey was off their backs, which was huge.”

He added: “There’s an incredible respect for any team that’s gone to do what Cork has done, we’d be fools not to.

“In fairness, in the National League semi-final we threw all of our cards at them in that match, it wasn’t a case of holding anything back, and they beat us in extra-time so we knew how dangerous they were.

Cork’s Eimear Scally with Eabha Rutledge of Dublin.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

The achievement today for our group is massive, but ultimately we know that if we go on in three weeks time not to be victors, no one will remember this game. From the point of view from the development of the group and personal development, today is a huge one for them.

And now, all focus turns to Galway and the All-Ireland final on Sunday, 15 September back at HQ. The Tribe are back in the showpiece for the first time since 2005, and bidding for their first title since 2004.

That day, they beat the Dubs. And they’re the last county to lift the Brendan Martin Cup since Cork unleashed their reign of terror of 11 triumphs in 12 years, and Dublin have come out on top every other year (2010, 2017 and 2018).

Bohan admits he was “in a blur” for the Galway and Mayo clash, with his focus entirely on his side’s job at hand. But the big showdown in three weeks’ time is one he is relishing.

“I’d know a lot about Galway,” he concluded. “In fact at underage, a lot of this group would have been on the receiving end of Galway teams.

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“I certainly know with my last involvement with women’s football in 2003, we were beaten by a last-minute goal by Mayo [in the final] and I would have backed that team to go on and win an All-Ireland in 2004. They were 11 or 10 points up against Galway and Galway beat them.

“In 2005, in the All-Ireland semi-final, Galway beat them. Those things stay with you. That’s a mark of what they’ve done over the years and this group have been very, very successful at underage.

“It’s an All-Ireland final, it takes on a life of its own.”

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RICHIE DONNELLY HAS backed Mickey Harte to remain in charge of Tyrone following their exit at the All-Ireland semi-final stage earlier this month.

Tyrone midfielder Richie Donnelly.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

Harte confirmed his desire to continue as manager following the conclusion of their campaign, but former player Sean Cavanagh said the time may have come for the legendary boss to pass the baton on. 

Donnelly said Harte, who led the county to three All-Irelands at senior level, retains the backing of the Red Hand squad.

Asked if he’d be in favour of the Errigal Ciaran clubman remaining in charge, Donnelly responded: “I would yeah. As long as Mickey’s there he’ll have the application and the desire from all the players. 

“We want to play for him, we want to win for him. He’s done a huge amount for Tyrone GAA and especially this group because we’ve all inherited the Tyrone jersey that he’s given us the privilege to do so.

“So we’re forever grateful for that so as long as he’s there we’ll be playing for him.”

Heading into 2020, Tyrone will be without Stephen O’Neill and Peter Donnelly who’ve both left Harte’s backroom team recently.

Highly-rated strength and conditioning coach Donnelly departed the set-up to join Ulster Rugby’s academy.

Donnelly, a two-time All-Ireland winner with the county as a player, was credited with having Harte’s side as one of the best-conditioned teams in the country, while he also worked with the minor and U20 county panels.

Former Tyrone player Peter Donnelly, who recently departed as S&C coach.

Source: INPHO

“Peter will be a huge loss,” says Donnelly. “He brought a lot to the set up in terms of strength and conditioning and the on-field coaching and training too.

“On a personal level, he had a great relationship with the players too. A huge figure. Obviously, on a professional level he was brilliant at what he does.”

Donnelly the bullet during the week and watched back the tape of the 1-18 to 0-18 loss to Kerry. 

The Red Hand made the final last year but this time around Donnelly will be a spectator in Croke Park for football’s showpiece game.

“I watched it back last Wednesday evening. It probably adds to the hangover and makes things worse but it’s something you have to face up. If you want to start win them sort of games and get over the line you need to watch it back and learn from it.

“It’s not something to shy away from. It’s hard but it’s what’s required for improvement.

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“From speaking with a few of the boys, it is very much individual thing firstly but I know a lot of the boys would be on the same wavelength in that you have to face it up, look back and see where we can improve and where the game changed or how we ended up being on the wrong side of the result.

“Everyone’s different I suppose, some boys might never look at the game and some will, it’s just up to the individual really.

“You look at it to improve yourself firstly and then you look at it from a team perspective. But definitely, I’d be one for always assessing and looking where you can get better as an individual and collectively.”

Donnelly was speaking at the launch of the Londis Senior All-Ireland Football 7s at Kilmacud Crokes GAA Club.

Source: David Fitzgerald/SPORTSFILE

Donnelly, who turns 27 this month, enjoyed his most consistent campaign for the county in 2019 and puts much of that down to staying injury-free. 

“I suppose I made a lot of progress this year in terms of performing at the level that’s required. And I probably feel this is the first year where I’m at the level that’s required to play at this level.

“So I was happy with it, I’ve improved year on year and I’m very much a late developer I think. I’m just coming 27 now but I’m learning every year and it’s something I’m enjoying.

“Whenever I first came into the inter-county set-up I struggled with the load of it. The training, the intensity and that, and the body just wasn’t right for it. I suppose that kind of halted my progress the last three or four years. But within the last 18 months I’ve started to really enjoy it and seen good progress just from playing games at that level.

“When I came into the squad I was ticking them boxes in terms of doing the S&C and whatever’s required but it’s a huge and spike in training load and intensity. It’s more a maturity thing where you’re physically mature and your body can width stand it better.

“You kind of stumble across a pattern or a way of training that suits your body and you just learn what’s best for your body when you go along. I’m kind of at that stage now.”

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DEREK MCGRATH COULD be on the verge of making a surprise return to inter-county management next season with the Laois minor hurlers.

RTÉ reported today that McGrath is due to meet with Laois county board officials later this week to discuss assuming a coaching role, with Clough Ballacolla clubman Liam Dunne set to take over as minor manager. 

McGrath has been out of management since he stepped down as Waterford boss last year. Last week he ruled himself out of returning to the Deise hot-seat following Paraic Fanning’s departure as boss after admitting he “had momentarily thought about the position.”

He’s also been linked with the vacant positions in Cork, Galway and Offaly in recent weeks.

Despite some media reports that McGrath is set to be unveiled as part of the coaching team in the coming days, The42 understands both parties are still in the early stages of talks and nothing has been agreed yet. 

Laois hurling is still on a high after Eddie Brennan’s seniors lifted the Joe McDonagh Cup and reached the All-Ireland quarter-finals after a shock win over Dublin, sealing their place in Leinster next season.

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Next year’s Laois U17 side are rated locally as a promising crop and the appointment of McGrath would be a major coup by the county.  

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ASK MOST DUBLIN players about their upcoming shot at history and they’ll give a stock answer along the lines of: “We never look at anything ‘in-a-row’. We just focus on the next game.”

Michael Darragh Macauley tends to do things a little bit differently. 

Michael Darragh MacAuley at the Dublin press night.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

“Are we going for the five-in-a-row?” he laughs before breaking into a story that sums up his approach to football and, perhaps, life too.

“I was walking down Baggot Street the other day and there was a flower salesman and he said, ‘There’s Michael Darragh.’ I was with a friend and he (the salesman) said, ‘You know if I ask Michael Darragh a question now, he’ll tell me two answers.’

“I didn’t even talk and my friend didn’t talk. And he said, ‘If I ask Michael Darragh what would it mean to win Sam Maguire this year, he’d tell me it means everything and it means nothing.’

“And so I gave a smile and went on my way, I wasn’t even chatting to him. So I suppose that sums it up!”

Naturally, Macauley speaks more freely when it comes to topics away from the football field. His day job is as sports and engagement manager with the North East Inner City Initiative, working on various regeneration projects in communities that have been badly affected by crime and drugs. 

He credits the links between the current Dublin squad and the ground-breaking Sky Blues side of the 1970s for helping to awaken his social conscience. Jim Gavin regularly gives a nod to Kevin Heffernan’s team by suggesting his team are “standing on the shoulders of giants”. 

In the run-up to last year’s All-Ireland final, Gavin introduced Anton O’Toole to the panel and backroom team, outlining his importance to Dublin GAA. At O’Toole’s funeral in May, John Small, Ciarán Kilkenny and Niall Scully were among the men who shouldered the coffin on his final journey. 

Not alone did the 1970s team win multiple All-Irelands and ignite a GAA revolution in the capital, they taught plenty of lessons off the pitch too. 

“It was definitely sold to me how socially conscious a lot of the Dublin team of the ’70s were,” says Macauley. “Even from speaking to them, they were aware of that higher purpose with the Dublin team and that there was more to life than football.

“That kind of stuck with me as well.”

Michael Darragh MacAuley before playing Tyrone in the league.

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

Macauley is not alone in working with those less fortunate. For all the talk of financial and population advantages, this Dublin crew are a socially conscious bunch.

Dean Rock works as fundraising manager for with Stewarts Care, one of the biggest disability organisations in the country. He initially coached swimming and athletics to people with special needs, before assuming his current role.

Philly McMahon has been outspoken on a number of social problems in Dublin and is an advocate for the decriminalisation of drugs in Ireland. He used his platform to set-up his Half-Time Talk charity designed to educate and empower young and unemployed adults in disadvantaged areas and also runs a fitness programme for inmates in Mountjoy Prison.

“I think that’s really important and a lot of us have a platform to be more socially conscious,” says Macauley.

“I’d love to see the lads doing even more so because some of the Dublin lads mightn’t even know how much of a role model they are to some of the kids in and around town and elsewhere.

“In fairness, lads do a lot but we try and encourage them to be as much of a role model and positive influence in their areas as they can be. I think some people even coming onto the team mightn’t realise how powerful their voice is. We’re trying to definitely get that point across.” 

Michael Darragh MacAuley arrives ahead of the Super 8s clash in Omagh.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

His own work brings him into contact with people from disadvantaged areas through a wide range of services they provide, from drugs and homeless projects to initiatives in sport and arts. Earlier this month, the final of the ‘Gah for Mas’ scheme took place between Ballybough and Sheriff Street in O’Connell’s School, a Gaelic football initiative played on astroturf that has proved a huge hit with local mothers.

Other recent offerings in the inner-city include a free 10-week health and wellbeing programme for men over 30 and a free eight-week boxing course for girls and women.

“I’m involved in sports and other community bits,” he explains. “It’s been a brilliant experience for me. I’ve left teaching I’m being seconded at the moment and I’m taking up that role.

“It’s great, subsequently I’ve realised how many role models I had growing up and there’s a lot of people that are lacking role models in certain areas around town.

Hakuna Matata https://t.co/lIzIRzMNQl

— Michael D Macauley (@MDMA_9) August 13, 2019

“We’re just trying to give people as many opportunities through sport and different projects to get involved and stay on the straight and narrow. And just to give them as many opportunities as we can.”

He enjoyed a good upbringing but it wasn’t all plain sailing either. He’s spoken in the past about the pain of losing his mother to lung cancer when he was 12, while his father passed away in 2012 just 10 days after he returned from the All-Star tour to New York.

Still, Macauley is self-aware enough to recognise he was fortunate to grow up in a part of south Dublin that’s far removed from the crime and urban decay can be rife in the northside inner city.

“I took for granted that I had role models, with my football team we had different people, I had a good family structure around me.

“When people don’t have those things, don’t have the family structure I had or don’t have the support from different clubs it’s easy for them to stray off the path and go down a more dangerous route. You see it all along.

Michael Darragh Macauley in action against Mayo in the semi-final.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

“What we’re trying to do is give them sport as an opportunity just to stay on that path. There’s obviously physical and mental health benefits but also there’s social as well.

“Particularly I’d love to see more people get involved in team sports as well. It’s benefited me so much, I’d still have that circles of friends that I was playing with in school when I was eight or nine years old and a lot of them are still around today and I’ve been to war and back with them. That’s the nature of what we’re at at the moment.”

His profile as a Dublin footballer helps “getting a foot in the door with someone” but he admits “if you’re talking nonsense to them they’ll quickly be able to brush you aside.”

“The Dublin thing probably has given me an in to talk to a lot of them,” he says. “But it’s what you do with it then. We’re just trying to create opportunities for them, help them grow and life as purposeful a life as possible.

“I’ve always been involved with teaching and sports, outside of sports as well. I’ve been working with special needs kids for years and mainstream teaching as well. So that’s where I get my kicks, seeing people develop and grow. I enjoy that side of it.”

It all feeds back into his football career. The All-Black mantra that “better people make better players” and the “no dickheads rule” rings true when it comes to this all-conquering Dublin team. 

Michael Darragh Macauley smashes into Diarmuid O’Connor of Mayo.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

“It’s huge, huge. I think it’s massive personally. I don’t know how teams can function if they have someone who’s maybe too egotistical or looking out for their own interests.

“Sometimes I wonder how the dressing rooms look in the Premier League with all the ego that’s involved over there. It must be a strange atmosphere so I think there’s good group involved here with the Dublin dressing room at the moment so long may it continue.”

When he’s asked about what makes this group that’s standing on the verge of history so special, it’s not surprising that Macauley references the humility of the individuals involved.

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“It’s hard to put your finger on it. The group is an impressive group of human beings in that I think people are aware that there’s a higher purpose than themselves or the team.

“If individuals come into the team and thought they were bigger for any reason than the team, they’d be quickly weeded out. So I think that’s definitely been the crux that we fall on, that we all know that we’re doing for something bigger than us.

“We self-police that at this stage and that creates a humility around the squad that’s badly needed in any team.”

The team parade ahead of the semi-final.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Macauley, who turned 33 last Wednesday, is “grateful” for an inter-county career that’s seen him win Footballer of the Year, six All-Irelands and two All-Stars. 

“I’ve had a very good run at it. I’ve had different goals, coming into the team straight away when I was just a fan on Hill 16 I was like, ‘It would be great just to get on the pitch, even if I could come on as a sub and tick that box that’d be great to say I played in Croke Park.’

“Then I suppose we moved the goalposts out and that became a reality. I was like, ‘It would be nice to start a game.’ Then it was, ‘It would be nice to win a Leinster.’ Then, ‘It’d be nice to win an All-Ireland.’ And here we are going for number seven.

“So in that respect, the goalposts keep changing and we just keep growing as we go along. I’m not stupid, I know we’ve had a very successful run at it so far and we’re just trying to squeeze the last bit out of it now.”

If Dublin do beat Kerry to claim the five-in-a-row on Sunday, there may well be a raft of retirements over the winter, Macauley included. 

“You don’t know when they’re going to come around again,” he admits. “This is my seventh All-Ireland final, is it?

“I suppose I didn’t think I’d be playing in so many All-Ireland finals if you had asked me a decade ago so we’ve had a nice run. You definitely just embrace it.

“I don’t know how many more are coming down the tracks so I’ll definitely enjoy this one for sure.” 

The flower salesman on Baggott Street would agree with that advice.

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DUBLIN LEGEND CHARLIE Redmond believes the current Kerry squad are playing to protect the legacy of the Kingdom’s Golden Years team in Sunday’s All-Ireland final.

Mick O’Dwyer’s great Kerry side won seven All-Irelands between 1978 and 1986, including the four-in-a-row from ’78 and ’81. They were widely regarded as the greatest team of all-time, up until Jim Gavin’s current record-breakers achieved a similar feat last season.

This weekend, Dublin are aiming to land a fifth All-Ireland title in succession which would leave them out on their own on the pantheon as the greatest side the game has ever seen. 

Redmond, an All-Ireland winner in 1995, says there’s an added pressure on the Kingdom heading into this game as Dublin look to eclipse Kerry’s legendary crew.

“They are a phenomenal outfit, they are on the cusp of creating something that’s never been done before in the GAA,” he said of Dublin.

“And if they are to do it on Sunday they will quite rightly be regarded as the greatest football team of all-time.

Dublin legend Charlie Redmond.

Source: James Meehan/INPHO

“Now, another team tried to achieve this, albeit many years ago in ’82, the Kerry team.

“It’s ironic that we’re playing Kerry in the final because while Dublin are under a bit of pressure, the pressure they’ve been under for three or four years now, there’s a huge amount of pressure going to be placed on the Kerry guys.  

“They’re playing to keep that ’80s team as the joint best team of all-time. And I’m sure that’s been impressed upon them down in Kerry by their family, by their friends. And even though they might not like it, that will impact on them I’m sure.

“I think they’re a great football team, the Kerry team. I think they’ve been coming and getting better and better and better with every game I’ve seen them this season.

“And if Dublin are to prevail on Sunday they’re going to have to give the best performance they’ve given all season.”

Redmond shot down criticism of Dublin’s off-field financial and population advantages.

“We have a large population in Dublin but not everybody plays Gaelic football. There are more sports available in Dublin than there is in any other part of the country – basketball, golf, you name it.

“All you’ve to do is look at the Dublin SFC – there are only 24 teams contesting it. There are more clubs in Cork than Dublin – so there are more players in Cork than Dublin. What we have done, we had a very lean spell from ‘95 to 2011.

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“We were struggling to win Leinsters in that period. What the county board did, they invested in the structures at a younger level and they developed players and the development eventually got fruition in 2011. That has continued to provide the tools to the managers of the underage teams to see them progress and become senior footballers.

“So we can’t do anything about the structures we set out being successful. If people want to say there’s too much money in Dublin because of our sponsors, well then beat us and take our sponsors off us.

“Dublin is a county, it’s one county and it will always remain one county. Anyone who wants to talk about splitting Dublin, I just laugh at them and walk away from them.”

Having failed to even reach a final between 1996 and 2010, Dublin’s 2011 victory over the Kingdom – courtesy of a late Stephen Cluxton winner – saw the birth of a blue monster. 

“We’ve watched them emerging from 2011 onwards. While the management and a lot of personnel have changed. Thankfully the mentality within the team hasn’t.

“I’m sure they’re not thinking about what’s at stake, I’m sure they’re thinking about this is one game against Kerry. And it’s an All-Ireland final, you can’t forget about that.

“But I’m sure that Jim Gavin and the boys are saying listen, ‘This is Kerry. This is where it all started in 2011 when Dublin weren’t given a chance of beating Kerry. And we did and we’ve seen what’s accrued from that.’ 

Charlie Redmond was speaking at the launch of the Londis Senior All-Ireland Football 7s at Kilmacud Crokes GAA club.

Source: David Fitzgerald/SPORTSFILE

“I’m sure the Kerry management team is impressing that upon their boys as well: ‘One good win, take it away from them and then we’ll see how they react. We’ll be top dogs, let’s see what they can bring to the table then.’

“In many ways the emergence of both teams would mirror one another albeit eight years apart. But Kerry are coming into this game with a huge opportunity. Don’t be mistaken about that. Any team that has the forward division they have has an opportunity and a huge opportunity at that.

“We know we’ve a good back line and forward line. There will be question marks asked about the Kerry defence all year. Well on Sunday we’re going to get the answers to those questions and no Kerry team comes to Croke Park without confidence and attitude.

“When you get confidence and attitude and the talent they have, they’ve a huge opportunity of winning on Sunday.”

Sunday will be Dublin’s seventh All-Ireland final this decade and sixth under Gavin. The county haven’t been beaten in a decider since 1994, when Redmond himself was part of their attack.

Either way, history beckons.

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EIGHT SENIOR CONNACHT crowns. One National Football League title. 2017 Footballer of the Year. An All-Star to go hand-in-hand with that, and another in 2011. And agonisingly close to that elusive Celtic Cross.

After 17 years in the Green and Red at senior level, Mayo legend Andy Moran announced his inter-county retirement yesterday on Second Captains’ Player’s Chair. 

35-year-old Moran bows out with 183 appearances (99 league, 84 championship) for his beloved Mayo to his name, and a scoring haul of 20-209. He captained the county to provincial glory in 2012, 2013 and 2014; those successes part of the five in-a-row from 2011 to 2015.

The influential Ballaghaderreen forward has provided 20 years of outstanding service to the county since making his minor debut in 2000. Two Connacht titles at that level followed, and another two at U21, while he also added three Sigerson Cup medals.

Understandably, the tributes have been pouring in from far and wide for one of the game’s most-loved characters.

Moran with his kids Ollie and Charlotte.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Mayo manager James Horan led the way:

“Andy’s retirement brings an end to an amazing inter-county playing career,” Horan said in a statement released by Mayo GAA this morning.

“Andy was a brilliant player and fantastic person that did everything humanly possible to be the best he could be.

Andy’s versatility on the field was special and he adapted his game as his career progressed, getting better and better, a testament to his continuous improvement mindset. A real role model for people on and off the pitch I want to thank him for his service and wish him all the best for the future.”

Mayo GAA chairman Mike Connolly added his thoughts:  “Andy Moran hangs up his Mayo jersey after 20 years of magnificent service to the county and the first thing we must do is thank him for his service.

Andy Moran with Stephen Cluxton after Mayo’s All-Ireland semi-final exit this summer.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

“He was an outstanding forward as typified by his two All-Stars, 8 Connacht medals and numerous other accolades he won along the way. To play for your county 183 times is an unbelievable achievement.

The commitment he has shown to the Green and Red can never be questioned and he is a shining example to all underage players out there of where hard work and dedication gets you.

“On behalf of everyone involved in Mayo GAA I want to thank him for the loyalty and commitment he has given to Mayo football and beyond I wish Andy & his family all the very best in the coming years.”

And of course, there have been many kind words shared on Twitter and the likes too: 

Alan Brogan 

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Source: Alan Brogan/Twitter.

Colm Boyle

Source: Colm Boyle/Twitter.

Kieran Donaghy

Source: Kieran Donaghy/Twitter.

Cora Staunton

Source: Cora Staunton/Twitter.

Mayo GAA 

Source: Mayo GAA/Twitter.

Ballaghaderreen GAA

Source: Ballaghaderreen GAA/Twitter.

Croke Park

Source: Croke Park/Twitter.

You can listen to the full episode of The Player’s Chair where Moran announced his retirement here

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DUBLIN ALL-IRELAND winner Barry Cahill believes a bunch of retirements from the current squad may be on the cards this winter and has also raised the prospect of Jim Gavin, along with his management team, departing if they complete the five-in-a-row next Sunday.

Dublin are heavy favourites to lift Sam Maguire in Sunday’s decider against Kerry and Cahill feels that history-making feat could prompt Gavin to finish up as manager.

Six-time All-Ireland victor Paul Flynn retired in early May at the outset of this summer’s championship and Cahill has forecast other experienced members of the squad joining him in the off season.

“Absolutely, I think this winter will be a period of change for a number of players. Paul Flynn has obviously already retired. I’d probably expect another four guys who could possibly finish up.

“The big question will be Stephen Cluxton in my opinion. I mean whenever he goes, if it’s this winter or maybe a year or two further down the road, that’ll be a massive change and also Jim Gavin.

“I think there’s a possibility Jim could, if they win on Sunday, finish up this winter. Him and Declan Darcy are very close and if Declan Darcy decided he can’t give it any more, and the whole effort and commitment has taken its toll and if you think back to those two guys in particular have been involved with Dublin teams since 2003, it’s a long old stint.

“You get five-in-a-row under your belt, certainly that changes the whole dynamic as to maybe what you want to do going forward. Let’s say the scenario where they lost the game, they won’t want to finish on that note so they’ll go back again. I think if Dublin win five-in-a-row there could be four or five potential retirements but there’s also a chance the management team might finish up.

“I know Jim had sort of extended his agreement with the county board earlier in the year but that’s not anything of note really, it’s just probably Jim’s way of telling guys he’s not going away and trying to keep all the squad members on their toes but yeah I wouldn’t rule it out.”

Barry Cahill was speaking today at the launch of AIB’s new short film, The Toughest Temptation.

Source: David Fitzgerald/SPORTSFILE

Cahill believes the captain, goalkeeper and cornerstone of this Dublin side is irreplaceable.

“I don’t think so (that he is replaceable). No I really don’t. Even though the standard of goalkeeping in Dublin club football is very high and there’s a really good understudy there in Evan Comerford, I think just the aura around Stephen (Cluxton) and the presence and the calmness that he gives to the back line.

“He’s obviously captain of the team for the last number of years. Massive experience there and what he’s done for the game has been remarkable. I also think opposition teams will go really hard against Dublin’s kickouts when Stephen finishes up.

“So the scrutiny that’ll be on the next goalkeeper will be very high and the spotlight will be on him. It’ll be a difficult set of boots to fill no doubt.

“You know, it can be easy enough for inter-county goalkeepers in training and league games to be pinging these lovely passes, you know, a 30-yard chip ball or maybe a 50-yard low trajectory kick pass out to the wing. When you get into these pressure cooker environments midway through the second half – full house – Stephen is the best in the business at that and he does it so calmly and so effectively.

“The guys out the pitch know that as well, the middle eight in particular. They’re all well tuned in, whether it’s making dummy runs or selfless runs away from the ball to create space. Stephen with his pinpoint kicking just nearly lands it on their chest.”

Cahill is looking forward to see what approach Kerry adopt on Sunday and feels they are the only team in the country with a set of forwards capable of defeating Dublin.

“The big thing for me is that if Dublin are going to be beaten, and they will at some stage, you need the class up front to be able to deliver on it. That’s probably something Mayo have been lacking over the last couple of years so I didn’t expect Mayo to get the job done in the semi final whereas Kerry have the outstanding inside forwards that can do damage.

“So if they need three goals to beat Dublin, which they probably do, there’s a fair chance they could create three goal chances and the likes of Geaney and Clifford could convert them. That’s the interesting part of me, how Kerry line up. Will they go maybe a bit defensive for the first half and try and keep it as tight as possible? 

Dublin’s Jonny Cooper and Kerry’s David Clifford in action in the league in March 2018.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

“I wouldn’t have given Tyrone much hope if they got to the final. I think it would have been just a carbon copy of those type of games that we’ve seen between Dublin and Tyrone in the championship the last couple of years.

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“Donegal I would have probably given a shout to too. I was up at the Ulster final against Cavan, they were really impressive that day. They pushed Kerry in the Super 8s game with 1-20 and I think Donegal with the individual class players that they have, the likes of Murphy, Ryan McHugh, McBrearty, Eoghan Bán Gallagher etc and their athleticism could have caused problems for Dublin.

“But all along I would have said Kerry were the only team that could potentially beat Dublin. If they played each other five or six times, I think Kerry could sneak one win out of those games. There’s always a chance come Sunday.”

Ten years ago Cahill was part of a Dublin side who were swatted aside by Kerry at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage by 17 points.

Could he have foreseen the transformation that sees Dublin a decade later chasing a seventh All-Ireland crown since that collapse?

Barry Cahill in action in 2009 against current Kerry selector Tommy Griffin.

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

“No chance! We probably would have taken one All-Ireland in 10 years, considering that Dublin hadn’t even got to a final for 14 years back in 2009. It’s hard to believe.

When we got the All-Ireland under our belt in 2011, so many new guys came in and got that All-Ireland in the early part of the year. Even when Jack McCaffrey, Ciaran Kilkenny and Paul Mannion came in 2013, within the first nine months of their inter-county career, they got an All-Ireland under their belts – that’s massive for any team.

“There’s a reverse situation with the Kerry group of the moment because they have so many guys who are aged 20, 21, 22, it would be huge for them if they are able to get a medal under their belt and can build on that for the next five to 10 years.

“You go back to my time in 2011, there were a lot of players who hadn’t even experienced an All-Ireland final. The whole squad of 30 players, no one had played in it before. Even the fact that going into that final there was a huge amount of warmth and well wishes from other counties around Ireland. They wouldn’t have had a problem with Dublin winning an All-Ireland in 2011.

“We got a lot of goodwill leading into the game and when we won that All-Ireland over the winter. It’s the reverse now! Even Kerry’s arch-rivals are probably shouting for them on Sunday. That’s just that’s the nature of it when a team is dominant.”

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DARRAN O’SULLIVAN SOLDIERED for long enough on the pitch with Paul Galvin and came under the guidance of Jack O’Connor during two different spells in his Kerry career.

If the trio were consumed then by Kerry football and their local battles in Munster, the focus will shift for those compatriots of O’Sullivan next season as they enter the Leinster landscape.

Earlier this month it was confirmed that Galvin and O’Connor are to be put forward for ratification respectively by the Wexford and Kildare county boards to take charge of their senior outfits for the 2020 season.

Galvin’s move surprised O’Sullivan but O’Connor’s established links to Kildare through his sons made that appointment easier to forecast.

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The Glenbeigh-Glencar club man believes both can be successful in their roles.

“I was very surprised at Paul, he kept that quiet. I’d be chatting to Paul fairly regularly, he kept that quiet. I was surprised but I think it’ll be good.

“Not going into management, just that it came out of the blue. I heard nothing of it, next thing it was Paul Galvin is taking it.

“He’s a very intelligent guy, obviously passionate about football, and he thinks in a really interesting way about it tactically. He’s just sharp. Just interesting to see what type of team he gets around him. So that’ll be good.

“Jack to Kildare, probably wasn’t as surprising. Obviously he has connections up there with the two boys playing above there. I think he’d prefer to be in the Kerry dressing room.

“But he’s a fierce football man, I’ve good time for Jack. I think it’s a great call for Kildare to be honest. People probably will say here were a couple of internal candidates that would be good as well, but I think if Jack O’Connor’s available you have to go with Jack.”

Jack O’Connor celebrates with his sons Eanna and Cian after the 2017 Leinster senior club football final.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

After his work with Kerry underage sides in recent seasons, there had been speculation that O’Connor could be in line for a third stint in charge of the Kingdom senior side.

“Maybe he was thinking about it on down the line,” stated O’Sullivan.

“When Kerry appointed Peter (Keane) it was for the next number of years. Jack’s not the type to sit on his hands and wait around. Obviously Kildare is an exciting proposition, maybe a small bit under the radar in the last couple of years, but good potential.”

Darran O’Sullivan was speaking today at the launch of AIB’s new short film The Toughest Temptation.

Source: David Fitzgerald/SPORTSFILE

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KILKENNY LEGEND MICHAEL Fennelly is set to become the new manager for the Offaly hurlers.

The eight-time All-Ireland winner has been recommended for the position by the county’s management committee for a two-year term with the option of a third year at the helm.

Fennelly, who announced his retirement from inter-county hurling in 2017, is expected to be ratified at a county board meeting next month.

“The aim of this appointment is to bring pride and stability back to the Offaly jersey with the support of Michael and his backroom team,” a statement reads on the Offaly GAA website.

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“Michael brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and competence in all aspects of the modern-day team preparation.

“This is a challenging task and to be successful it will need the support of the players, their families, the clubs and all the people involved in Offaly GAA.

Michael is confident of what he has learnt in his later years as a player and has always conveyed a passionate interest in the dynamics of the manager’s role.

“This is shown through his commitment off the field by studying for a doctorate in leadership sport. Michael is looking forward to the upcoming Offaly club championship and will use these games as the platform to choose his panel for 2020.

Offaly GAA are pleased to announce that the Management Committee are recommending the appointment of Michael Fennelly as Senior Hurling Manager for 2020

We wish Michael the very best over the coming year

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— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) August 27, 2019

Fennelly is set to take over from interim manager Joachim Kelly, who previously came in to replace Kevin Martin in a bid to avoid relegation from the Joe McDonagh Cup after a poor start to the campaign.

But the Faithful County subsequently dropped to the third tier of the All-Ireland senior hurling championship and will compete in the Christy Ring Cup next year.

Fennelly comes into the role after captaining Ballyhale Shamrocks to All-Ireland club glory earlier this year.

“Michael is due to ratify his backroom team in the coming weeks,” the statement continues.

This is a very important time for Offaly hurling and we want to wish Michael all the best over the coming year with his backroom team and new panel of players.”

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