Next generation are leading Dub charge and Jim has to get credit for transition
Armagh. Yet they still lost by nine points. You’ve got to say that Dublin are relentless. They’ve got players who appear from everywhere. The angles of running and the pace punish any errors or hesitation. The goals gave Dublin breathing space. In the 17th minute there was a perfect example of where Dublin are at. Kildare had a goal chance and James Mccarthy came in with a magnificent shoulder to turn possession over. Jack Mccaffrey took it on 50 metres and found Con O’callaghan for a great point. It told me everything about the gap that still exists. Some people will point to Dublin’s full-back line under the high ball but the game was gone by the time Paddy Brophy’s goal came. I wouldn’t read too much into it. Cluxton did make a great save to deny Daniel Flynn. A goal then early in the second half would have given Kildare’s challenge some oxygen. Bernard Brogan relished the opportunity, scoring five points from play and putting in as good a 40 minutes as we’ve seen from him in a long time. He has put his hand up to start. Everyone will be talking about Con O’callaghan after his 12 points and it was a very mature display. It’s also clear Eric Lowndes is becoming an integral part of the side. SO yesterday brought up the seven in a row in Leinster. Jim Gavin and his management must be credited with fostering the hunger and desire in this group of players. There’s a lot of new blood getting game time and quickly becoming seasoned campaigners. Jim deserves huge credit for managing that transition. They’re a remarkable group. Twelve Leinster titles in 13 years – irrespective of what people say about standards in the province, to remain that focused and maintain that drive is some achievement. And there are bigger days ahead for this team. This was a great game of football and a fascinating watch. Kildare really held in there, bar the calamity of conceding two goals in such quick proximity. They played very well, in athletic terms they matched Dublin and actually dominated the midfield battle, getting right in the Dubs’ faces. That took a lot of moxie. It was the best show any side has put up against Dublin in Leinster for a long time. In fact their approach in a lot of ways mimicked that of the Dubs. With Kevin Feely superb, Kildare took on Stephen Cluxton’s kickouts - similar to the League final with Kerry. I’d give them a chance now against Monaghan or