John Small: 'It was really heartening to see'
Pictured is former Dublin Minor Footballer, John Small, at the finals preview of the 2026 Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Championships. This summer, Electric Ireland are using their social channels to spotlight players from across the Championships, in recognition of the major impact that playing Minor can have on young people’s future successes, on and off the field. Electric Ireland are pairing up former Minor Legends with current players to give the ultimate insight into the last 15 years of Minor. You can follow the campaign on social media @ElectricIreland and via the hashtag #ThisIsMajor.
Click here to listen to the full interview with former Dublin footballer John Small.
By Cian O'Connell
A gritty Championship victory in a knockout brings plenty of possibilities.
Former Dublin star John Small is encouraged by the manner of last weekend's All-Ireland SFC Round Three success over Donegal at Croke Park. A last eight clash against Galway now beckons at GAA headquarters.
The proud Ballymun Kickhams clubman was heartened by Dublin's dynamism. "I was just delighted Dublin won, and how they performed - I thought they were excellent in all facets of the game," Small says.
"They were really potent up front, defensively they were really strong, midfield battle - they won that too.
"It was really heartening to see. So many lads played well. I'd obviously loved to have played in the game, but as a Dublin fan I was delighted to see the lads play so well."
Small's brother, Paddy, contributed vital scores as Ger Brennan's blend of emerging and established players illustrated their ability. "A lot of the older guys were excellent and some of the newer guys - Charlie McMorrow, Seán Guiden off the bench, outstanding games," Small reflects.
"Then, Ciarán (Kilkenny), Niall Scully, Collie Basquel - brilliant. Loads of others too, they're just the ones that spring to mind. It was great, a blend of youth and experience. It all came together. Dublin now are in a good space.
"I'm sure they're looking forward to the game at the weekend. 3Paddy did his bit, too. He got a goal, I thought he was good. I'm always critical, I think there is loads more in him, but he's playing very well this season. If he keeps going, he will be hard to handle."
Having overcome Donegal, Small highlights the increasing confidence and conviction in the camp. "It's huge, the momentum of it," Small replies. "I do think it will be difficult with the turnaround time. Playing 90 minutes is hard.
"So, Dublin I'd say won't be doing much training this week, they'll be recovering a lot, just looking at the tactical elements and the learnings. Momentum is huge, and if you find form at the right time, you don't know where that will take you.
"Dublin should get huge belief and confidence, and they will from that game. Galway probably have an advantage with the two weeks, but Dublin, if they can find the energy from somewhere, I think they'll be a match for them."
