Anything still happen MCGOWAN INSISTS CROKES WON’T DARE TAKE FINAL LIGHTLY

LEINSTER SFC FINAL

constant rhetoric in training is not to take things for granted because you don’t know when you could be here again.

“It’s eight years since we were last in the Leinster Championship – it could be another eight before we’re back again. We’re under no illusions we can’t take anything for granted.”

Mcgowan was just 16 when Crokes last reigned supreme in Leinster, beating Rhode of Offaly in the 2010 decider.

It followed previous wins in 2008 and 2005 as the Glenalbyn outfit established themselves as one of the most powerful clubs in the country.

He said: “I was part of that generation in the noughties who went along to all the games when we had successful Crokes teams. It was a great journey and that definitely propelled my interest in senior football. It’s why I’m here today and I’d love to continue building that inspiration for the rest of the lads coming through.”

But Crokes need to return to their defensive strengths to experience that joy again around Stillorgan.

They leaked those three goals to Portlaoise but also saved a penalty and were fortunate to deny them on a couple of other occasions.

Prior to that they had not conceded a goal in the Championship since April. Defender Mcgowan said: “We were a little bit disappointed with that. We’d only conceded one goal in the entire Dublin Championship. It’s something we can definitely improve.”

Part of the problem was that Portlaoise pressed Crokes high up the pitch, something they hadn’t been used to. It remains to be seen if Mullinalaghta go for broke too or take a more cautious approach in their first ever final.

Mcgowan said: “Mullinalaghta, it’s a great story. I think it’s 1950 when they’d last won the Longford title before the recent run they’ve gone on.

“They’re building a strong team. We know the challenge they’ll bring to us will be huge.”