McManamon "back in the bunker"

October 02, 2015

Dublin's Kevin McManamon celebrates with the Sam Maguire trophy.
©INPHO/Donall Farmer.

Kevin McManamon has decided to park the celebrations as he gets ready to return to club action this weekend.

McManamon and his Dublin team-mates have been in party mode since Sam Maguire returned to the capital last Sunday week, but it's back to reality for most of Jim Gavin's squad this weekend when they line out for their clubs in the second round of the Dublin SFC.

"Look, we had a good week, we enjoyed the week," the Dublin super-sub said at a reception for the All-Ireland champions at the head office of their sponsors AIG yesterday.

"We are kind of back in the bunker now for the club championship, so it's a little bit of a mess. But a great week now and never forget it. We'll have a few meetings over the next while, hopefully, meeting up with the lads and hopefully get a nice holiday at the end," added McManamon, who will be in action for St. Jude's against St. Brigid's tomorrow evening.

While admitting that Dublin's third All-Ireland in five seasons was hugely satisfying, McManamon says the first in 2011 takes some beating.

"It's hard to compare them. It had that bit of sweetness, because we had a real downer last year when we were really built up. In 2013 we never really were favourites. It's nice to get that bit of redemption from last year.

"I wouldn't really compare them. Our first one was very, very special for all of us - personally as well. I don't think we would ever reach the heights of 2011. On a rainy day and to win one - an ugly one was nice. Last year we were built up to be so good, and I think a lot of us knew that we weren't ever that good," he said.

"I remember reading something about Michael Darragh Macauley being this 'Hercules warrior' running through the middle of the park and I started laughing. I remember reading it and saying how could anyone build us up to be that good after winning one All-Ireland and a Leinster.

"Sure enough we had to fall then. We were built up and had to fall. It was a tricky period after that semi-final."


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