Gilroy: we need more of the same
Monday February 08 2010
DUBLIN footballers made partial amends for last August with a gutsy victory over their Kerry nemesis yesterday -- and now they'll be seeking to exorcise their Derry demons in Donnycarney next weekend.
Manager Pat Gilroy has called for greater Dublin consistency following their first away win over Kerry since November 1982, and Saturday night's NFL Division One clash against Derry is the obvious starting point to deliver back-to-back displays.
Last March, on their previous visit to Parnell Park, Damien Cassidy's Oak Leaf crew demolished Dublin by 0-20 to 1-12 -- and but for the heroics of 'keeper Stephen Cluxton, it would have been far worse.
"They gave us a bit of a hosing last year," recalled Dublin captain Paul Griffin. "It was a great start for them (against Tyrone on Saturday), so it will be a good game and a good test. That's the benefit of Division One football, it gives you a great barometer as to where guys are at."
Gilroy was delighted with both the performance and application as his new-look Dubs secured a 1-12 to 1-10 victory over the off-colour All-Ireland champions at Fitzgerald Stadium, but he warned: "There's no point in doing this and then next week playing brutal. We've got to really try and get consistent performances - and the results, well if they go our way, great."
The Blues must face Derry without defender Ross O'Carroll, whose NFL debut was delayed by a thigh strain sustained on Sigerson Cup duty with UCD last Wednesday. The erstwhile Dublin hurler faces a three-week lay-off.
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- Frank Roche
