Dublin legends fancy chances against Cork
August 18, 2010
Former Dublin stars John O'Leary and Kieran Duff
The legendary pair, who were part of the Dublin team which famously defeated Cork after a replay in the 1983 All-Ireland semi-final at Pairc Ui Chaoimh (O'Leary was also on the 1995 team that beat the Rebels at the same stage), both admitted to being surprised by Dublin's turnaround this season when they spoke to the media at a Vodafone event yesterday.
"Dublin can just give it a go. They have nothing to lose and there are no expectations on them. No one expected them to be here at the start of the year, or even two games ago, and yet here they are. Anything can happen," former goalkeeper O'Leary said.
"In 1995 we were chasing the Holy Grail, but we were up against Cork, who were a new opposition for us," O'Leary said.
"It was all about Jason Sherlock on the day because he was the one who scored the goal and he was the star coming through. It wasn't so much like 1983 with the trip to Cork, but it was still great to win it.
"It (1995) was a tight match. It finished 1-12 to 0-12 and Jason's goal came at a crucial stage. He really came of age for us - he wasn't all that long on the squad."
Duff was involved with the Dublin set-up under Paul Caffrey, but he has backed Pat Gilroy's decision to leave out some of their more experienced players.
"There has been a complete revamp of the team and new personnel have come in, which, in fairness, Pat had to do," he said.
"We were involved with Pillar for four years and just missed the boat on a couple of occasions. We just didn't have whatever it was, whether it was a psychological thing, to cross that line. I think Pillar would feel himself that we went as far as we could with that group of players."
O'Leary expects a big performance from Cork, who have yet to full to their full potential this season.
"Cork haven't had the big performance yet. Maybe it's coming on Sunday. Is there a big performance in Cork? There probably is. The good thing for Dublin is that the cat is out of the bag - it's no surprise now that they can beat some good opposition.
"But there's no doubt it's bonus territory. I go back to the Wexford match. If I was the Wexford manager I'd be pulling my hair out because Dublin were there to be beaten.
"Even with Tipperary there were times when with a bit more savvy they could have opened Dublin up for a few more points, because the game was there to be won. So, it's definitely bonus territory."
He continued: "There's honesty in this team. They mightn't be as skilful but it's a bit like Ronseal - it does exactly what is says on the tin.
"It gets fellas behind the ball, it makes it difficult to score and, hopefully, we do all that type of stuff and we get a few scores and we pinch it and we beat you. It mightn't be pretty but that's what it does. That's the real thing for me." Tweet
