DUBLIN FOOTBALL STAR Paul Flynn says former boxing champion Bernard Dunne has Jim Gavin’s All-Ireland hopefuls boxing clever this season.
The Blues’ boss appointed the former world title holder to his set-up last year.
“Bernard is a world champion boxer,” says Flynn. “Whether you’re training or in the gym or in Croke Park preparing for a game, if you see him there, it’s a presence to have. Someone who has done it. Who has walked the walk.
“Yeah, he’d chat as well with us and make sure we’re focused. Nothing complex. Or not that there’s anything to hide. He’s brilliant. He fitted in seamlessly. He’s great to have around. Yeah, he’s there all the time.
“It’s nothing specific. There’s no rocket science to it. Just generally making sure you’re in the right frame of mind.
“Some lads I know would opt out of performance coaches. But when it’s someone who has walked the walk, it’s great. It’s a bit different. When Bernard Dunne asks you to go for a chat… I don’t know whether they do opt out. He rings me, I answer and I go and meet him.”
The Dubs face Donegal on Sunday week with a place in the September finale on the line. Games between the two counties have been marked by sendings off and biting allegations (since cleared) in recent times. But the Fingallians clubman insists there’ll be no bad blood at Croke Park.
“I don’t think so. I know a good few of the Donegal lads and I got on quite well with them off the field. But once you step on to the field, with any opposition you play against, until that game is over, it’s a battle. And that’s just the way it is,” Flynn says.
“It could be with anybody. It could be a club game. A squad game. Whether it is. That’s just football. That’s the way we’re built as athletes and footballers. So I don’t think anyone’s going to be carrying bad blood into it.”
The Dublin v Donegal match isn’t on this Sunday, it’s Sunday week.