KEEP CALM AND KERRY ON
THERE’S no way Brian Fenton can become complacent about Dublin’s drive for five in a row next year – not when 1982 is talked about at home all the time.
Fenton has never lost in a Dublin shirt in a senior Championship game, a remarkable record that started in 2013 – the summer he was man of the match in the final – and reached game number 28 with victory over Tyrone yesterday. The 25-year-old Raheny midfielder has grown in stature year on year. “It’s unbelievable,” Fenton said. “But it’s not the way I particularly think about it. I’m one of 15, one of 30 – one of 26 six on a match-day, and that’s not just saying that. I don’t think about it (the record). I’ve some part to play but, no, there’s a lot more going on than just me.
“Look it’s amazing to play in this era, to play with those players, to play under Jim Gavin is just so special. I’m so lucky to be a part of it.”
Gavin (above with fenton), typically, downplayed talk of the never before achieved five-in-a-row when asked about it afterwards.
“We don’t cross any bridges,” said the Dublin supremo. “We’re just on a journey and there’s lots of twists and turns in it, and lots of bends.”
Fenlon smiled at the reference to going beyond the achievements of any other county side in Gaelic football history. But he also knows what can happen when a team flies too close to the sun.
“It is (exciting),” he said. “My
Dad’s a Kerryman and he reminds me of the heartbreak of 1982 and the Offaly last-minute goal or whatever.
“It (the five-in-a-row) hasn’t been talked about, don’t get me wrong. We’re just enjoying this.
“Four-in-a-row wasn’t talked about at the end of last year, it’s just enjoying these moments.
“Look, I’m sure Jim will have a plan ready to go for us at the end of December, start of January whatever.
“Look, we’ll enjoy this for a few days or a few weeks and hopefully come back evvery bit as strong next year.”
Fenton was sporting a shiner under his right eye – the evidence of a tough battle, especially in the first 20 minutes when Dublin trailed by four points.
“Yeah, it was quite physical,” he remarked. “I think this was from the throw-in, I’m not too sure. But I remember after the throw-in, feeling it. Jeez to be fair, I had a AN EMOTIONAL Philly Mcmahon dedicated his fourth All-ireland winner’s medal to his late father.
Teak-tough defender Mcmahon was consoled on the pitch by Dublin boss Jim Gavin after the game (right) as he remember his father Phil, who passed away just over two months ago after losing his battle with stomach cancer.
“These lads gave me a gift last year, my da seeing me win the All-ireland,” said Mcmahon, whose father was present to see him lift the Sam Maguire on the pitch 12 months earlier.
“He was here in spirit today and there’s plenty of people that are not here who would have loved to be here to watch it. We’re just grateful for what we have.
“The big word for us this year man in my face for most of the game, talking the talk. But look, you have to take that.
“It’s a compliment I suppose from Tyrone that Mickey Harte would put a player looking after you and man-marking you.”
If Fenton is beaten to the Footballer of the Year award, his Dublin team-mate Ciaran Kilkenny will most likely be the man to do it.
As the final progressed, Kilkenny came to play a more and more influential role. “Absolutely shattered,” he beamed. “To finish the way we did was really satifsfying, the adrenailine is still pumping and I know tonight, you’re enjoying it but you’re just shattered.
“And when you’re in that room together, it’s just incredible.
“We’re completely off our feet after it. I’m absolutely drained here now. I’m just on cloud nine.”
I’m absolutely drained here now, I’m on cloud nine - CIARAN KILKENNY
was gratitude. There’s people in this stadium that probably won’t see an All-ireland again. It’s just great to give a bit of happiness to people.”
Meanwhile, Gavin insisted it would be down to his players whether he wanted to be a part of the drive for five – including veteran Bernard Brogan, who missed out yesterday, as well as the exiled Diarmuid Connolly.
“Get yourself right first and then the sport will always be there for them,” said Gavin.