“If Dublin were ordered to play in Ballybofey, we’ll go up to Ballybofey and we’ll beat them there.”
Those are the words of former Dublin star Charlie Redmond ahead of Dublin’s upcoming Super 8’s opener against Donegal this Saturday at 7pm in Croke Park.
Listen to the interview in full below;
The new Super 8’s system which is in place on a trial basis for the next three years means there is one home game, one away and one neutral ground for each team in this years All Ireland. Controversy has stemmed following Donegal’s appeal that Croke Park is not a neutral ground which has been rejected by the GAA. Charlie had this to say on the matter.
“I’m wondering about the motivation behind such a movement from Donegal, it was set down in stone, it was passed by congress at which Donegal had a vote. If they had any objections they should’ve made them known then and there.”
“I fully accept it gives Dublin an advantage playing in Croke Park that is because Croke Park is based in Dublin. While it isn’t our home ground, officially our home ground is Parnell Park.”
“I still don’t see the motivation behind Donegal doing what they’re doing, sometimes I think maybe Declan Bonner is playing mind games here and that he’s trying to get a reaction from his players in a kin to what Cian O’Sullivan got from his Kildare players (against Mayo).”
Two weeks on from Dublin’s emphatic win over Laois to claim their eight Leinster crown in a row they face a stern test from a Donegal side with a lot to prove following last season’s relegation to division 2.
“This is a real test, I think it’s the toughest game they’ve (Dublin) had this far. That’s saying nothing because they haven’t had any test up to this point.”
“Donegal are coming with a team with a new manager, new freshness and they’ve got new players in. They’re gonna come with a real threat.”
“Whoever Donegal face in the semi’s will know all about it because they’re a team that are gonna get better and better.”
Listen to the show in full;
Also on this morning’s show we had Dublin hurler Fergal Whitely recapping their first season under Pat Gilroy. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley both spoke following their sides friendly in Tallaght Stadium. We spoke live to our man in Russia John Duggan with a recap of this year’s World Cup and a look ahead to the semi final.
Now That’s What I Call Sport is live every Sunday morning from 9am.
