Dublin manager Jim Gavin before the game at Croke Park.
By Cian O’Connell
Staying cool and composed in the closing stages of a dramatic All Ireland SFC Final was the key to Dublin’s victory according to manager Jim Gavin.
Dean Rock’s splendid free at the end of an absorbing tussle ensured Dublin claimed a third title on the spin at Croke Park.
“Yeah, that compsoure piece has been the hallmark of these guys, they work so hard at their game,” Gavin remarked following the contest at GAA headquarters.
“They are very disciplined in what they do and the sacrifices they make to play Gaelic Games is phenomenal. It is a privilege to work with them. That composure you mentioned was evident throughout the game.
“It was a very tight first half, particularly when they won two points ahead they had the crowd behind them.
“The perception is that they had the momentum, but I think in the last quarter we maybe outscored them four points to one. That just shows how present the Dublin players were in the game, to turn that around, to finish strongly was satisfying.”
Utterly respectful of the challenge Mayo posed once more, Gavin admitted to feeling a degree of smypathy for the Green and Red. “Yeah, we have been there,” Gavin stated referencing the Allianz League decider loss to Kerry.
“We were there this year ourselves losing a National Final by a point. It is tough, both teams can be proud of the performances they put in yet again. There was only a bounce of a ball between ourselves and Mayo, thankfully the bounce was on our side.”
Several intriguing duels took place throughout the field with much debate and deliberation surrounding the Lee Keegan and Ciaran Kilkenny match-up. Was Gavin surprised by Mayo’s approach? “Ciaran is a big player in our team as all of the players are. We don't go out to tactically give the ball to one player.
“It doesn't work that way. Lee Keegan is a big player for Mayo, they decided to man mark Ciaran, that is their decision. I thought Ciaran did well in the game, ultimately we got the result so we are happy.” The Sam Maguire Cup remains in the capital.
