MAGEE: THIS WIN IS JUST SURREAL

JOHNNY MAGEE said it was “surreal” to have managed Kilmacud Crokes to a Dublin Championship after starring in so many successes as a player.

The former Dublin centre-back teamed up with Robbie Brennan to manage the club jointly this year having cut his teeth elsewhere, most notably when he spent three seasons in charge of Wicklow up to last year.

“It’s surreal, to be honest with you,” said Magee after the 2-12 to 0-13 county final win over St Jude’s

last night.

“I went to a lot of places to get the experience so that when I did come back to the club I was able to impose what I learned.

“Look, it’s my ninth final, won five as a player and now one as a manager – so I’m just delighted.” Central to the victory was Dublin forward Paul Mannion, who hit 1-6 – half of Crokes’ tally, all of it from play.

“Paul is a good footballer, he had a serious year for Dublin,” said Magee (inset). “He always puts in a big shift. For us, we want him closest to the goal and look at the return we got from him.”