FOOTBALLER OF THE Year Michael Darragh Macauley has described Dublin’s panel strength as ‘absolutely disgusting’ but rejected Jim McGuinness’ claim that their players enjoy privileges other counties don’t.
Donegal manager McGuinness stated ahead of Sunday week’s All-Ireland semi-final that Dublin’s set-up is ‘a professional set-up in every aspect. And they’re getting the benefit of that now’.
But midfielder Macauley insisted it’s a ‘level playing field’ generally and suggested some rival counties actually have better facilities than those used by the Dublin players.
“From playing college football, I would have got some insight into a lot of the other counties around the country and, from what I can see, it’s very similar (to Dublin),” said Macauley.
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“When I initially came into the Dublin set up, I thought we were way past everybody else. But then I realised that everyone shares the same strength and conditioning coaches, shares the same techniques.
“A lot of the facilities have been a lot better in different counties where we’ve been. So, to be honest, I wouldn’t agree with those comments.
“As regards the facilities and coaches, etc, I think it’s pretty much a level playing field. Honestly, I believe that at the moment.
“I would know a lot of the lads from different counties and they all have the same gig.
“Look, Dublin have got their underage structures right over the last while and I suppose it’s maybe a product of that, which has come through at the moment.
“It’s not really any big secret that we’ve been successful at underage level and those lads are starting to come through now at senior level.
“It’s been a long time coming for Dublin but thankfully at the moment football is in a healthy place.”
Michael Darragh MacAuley was speaking as Cadbury Ireland launched a competition offering two GAA fans the chance to win a VIP trip to see the Opel GAA/GPA All-Stars in Boston. Morgan Treacy / INPHO
Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO
Macauley said that young Dublin players are emerging from the minor and U-21 ranks with a realistic notion of what is required at senior level. As a result, they are slotting into the set-up easier.
“If these kids do want to pursue their dreams and that, they have to know that it takes a level of commitment and they are going to have to do certain things to get there,” he said. “I think the earlier they know exactly what’s involved, the better.”
The result is that Dublin have a steady supply of talented teenagers swelling their senior panel. Macauley said he’s never known such competition for places.
“The competition is absolutely disgusting at the moment,” he said. “It’s so tough trying to get a jersey and lads are rightfully trying to kill each other to get a jersey. Lads are going to the well every single training session, trying to get a jersey so I’d have no worries about that.”
Michael Darragh Macauley calls Dublin's competition for places 'absolutely disgusting'
FOOTBALLER OF THE Year Michael Darragh Macauley has described Dublin’s panel strength as ‘absolutely disgusting’ but rejected Jim McGuinness’ claim that their players enjoy privileges other counties don’t.
Donegal manager McGuinness stated ahead of Sunday week’s All-Ireland semi-final that Dublin’s set-up is ‘a professional set-up in every aspect. And they’re getting the benefit of that now’.
McGuinness compared it to the gains enjoyed by Premier League side Chelsea following Roman Abramovich’s arrival as billionaire owner.
But midfielder Macauley insisted it’s a ‘level playing field’ generally and suggested some rival counties actually have better facilities than those used by the Dublin players.
“From playing college football, I would have got some insight into a lot of the other counties around the country and, from what I can see, it’s very similar (to Dublin),” said Macauley.
“When I initially came into the Dublin set up, I thought we were way past everybody else. But then I realised that everyone shares the same strength and conditioning coaches, shares the same techniques.
“A lot of the facilities have been a lot better in different counties where we’ve been. So, to be honest, I wouldn’t agree with those comments.
“As regards the facilities and coaches, etc, I think it’s pretty much a level playing field. Honestly, I believe that at the moment.
“I would know a lot of the lads from different counties and they all have the same gig.
“Look, Dublin have got their underage structures right over the last while and I suppose it’s maybe a product of that, which has come through at the moment.
“It’s not really any big secret that we’ve been successful at underage level and those lads are starting to come through now at senior level.
“It’s been a long time coming for Dublin but thankfully at the moment football is in a healthy place.”
Macauley said that young Dublin players are emerging from the minor and U-21 ranks with a realistic notion of what is required at senior level. As a result, they are slotting into the set-up easier.
“If these kids do want to pursue their dreams and that, they have to know that it takes a level of commitment and they are going to have to do certain things to get there,” he said. “I think the earlier they know exactly what’s involved, the better.”
The result is that Dublin have a steady supply of talented teenagers swelling their senior panel. Macauley said he’s never known such competition for places.
“The competition is absolutely disgusting at the moment,” he said. “It’s so tough trying to get a jersey and lads are rightfully trying to kill each other to get a jersey. Lads are going to the well every single training session, trying to get a jersey so I’d have no worries about that.”
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