Shane Stapleton and Conor McKeon of the Irish Independent/Herald preview the Dublin football final meeting of Ballymun Kickhams and Ballyboden St Enda’s.
Ballyboden St Enda’s are looking to retain the Dublin SFC title for the first time in their history this weekend.
Looking to halt their march is a Ballymun Kickhams side that many suggest has underachieved in recent seasons.
They won a county and Leinster title in 2012, before losing the final to St Brigid’s of Roscommon, but have since come up short in two finals.
They have a side pockmarked with Dublin stars such as Evan Comerford, John and Paddy Small, Philly McMahon, James McCarthy and Dean Rock, and the club’s form seems to have benefitted from having exclusive access to these men in recent months.
Four-time champions Boden are reigning county and provincial champions and showed their mettle in seeing off Raheny and St Jude’s en route to the final.
Conor McKeon of the Irish Independent/Herald has watched both sides at close quarters for many seasons and says that discipline could be a crucial factor.
Ballymun had Davey Byrne and Leon Young (rescinded) red carded at the end of their impressive semi-final win over Kilmacud Crokes, while Jason Whelan was lucky to not also be dismissed.
Watch the Full-Time Highlights of Ballymun Kickhams v Kilmacud Crokes in the Dublin SFC Semi-Final here on GAANOW!
Full-Time Score:
Ballymun Kickhams: 1-18
Kilmacud Crokes: 2-12 pic.twitter.com/X91B1pyZFQโ The GAA (@officialgaa) September 13, 2020
“The big talking point around Ballymun over the past few years is that they have so many players in the Dublin squad and when they come back, theyโre tired or injured or not familiar with the other players in the squad,” says McKeon.
“And that is the reason they have not won county titles, and that is true.
“But what is also true is that in big-game situations, they have frequently lost their discipline โ or certain players have.
“In some cases, that means getting embroiled in rows like at the end of the Crokes game, and in some games it means losing tactical discipline.
“If you think about it, itโs the same head space youโre in: things are going wrong and you donโt know how to react.
“So you lose your shape, you try to do too much with the ball, or in some cases you get embroiled in a row because some fella is winding you up.
Outstanding from @BodenGAA & Robbie McDaid at the weekend ๐
Watch their #DSFC1 semi final win over @clgnaomhjude in full on DubsTV โก๏ธ https://t.co/6tqW2NdZsl pic.twitter.com/wu2zOVSnIXโ Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) September 15, 2020
“That is an issue Ballymun have frequently had, and thereโs no getting around that.
“It affects them going into the final because Davey Byrne is a very key player for Ballymun.
“For all his manic energy, he does the simple things well, heโs energetic and he uses the ball well.”
Click play on the video at the top of the page for the full preview.
Want more?
Watch the Galway SFC and SHC semi-finals previews with David Connors of the Tuam Herald.
Watch Club Talk: Hurling with Shane Stapleton and Michael Verney.
Watch the Kilkenny SHC final preview with Eoin Murphy.
