Anticipation is beginning to build ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland football final. Will Dublin complete the four-in-a-row, or can Tyrone upset the odds and collect Sam Maguire for only the fourth time in their history.
The reigning champions enter the game as red-hot favourites given the sheer dominance in which they have won the previous three All-Ireland’s.
However, Mickey Harte’s men will be full of confidence following their narrow defeat to the Dubs in Healy Park last month. A game they very much could have won. Tyrone will be well prepared entering into the lion’s den on Sunday, adamant that a repeat of last year’s semi final tanking won’t be on the cards.
If Tyrone are to stop the Dublin dominance then everything must go right for them this weekend. They need to be set-up right tactically, their substitutes need to make the same impact they have done all summer, and most importantly their head to head battles need to be spot on.
Alan Brogan was speaking at the launch of the Family SportFest event which takes place at the National Sports Campus next month.
The former Dublin star gave his thoughts on what he believes is the key matchup this Sunday.
“I think the big one for me will probably be (Padraig) Hampsey against Ciaran Kilkenny.”
“Ciaran Kilkenny is obviously the man that picks up most possession for Dublin, he’s kind of a playmaker, and if he wants to go inside he can.” Brogan said.
Brogan highlighted the Tyrone man’s performances in their last couple of games. The Coalisland man was given two huge tasks against Donegal and Monaghan, and came up trumps on both occasions.
“Padraig Hampsey has picked up Michael Murphy for Donegal and Conor McManus the last day, so he’s done two different roles for Tyrone, he seems to be the man-marker of choice, so I think that particular role will have a big bearing.”
Kilkenny has faced some harsh criticism in the past due the his style of play, but the Castleknock forward has defied all the critics this season on his way to becoming the highest scorer from play in the Championship.
He was quiet in last year’s final due to Lee Keegan paying close attention to him. Brogan believes if this were to happen again on Sunday, then Kilkenny’s role could present opportunities for Dublin to exploit Tyrone.
“I think Ciaran is probably in the running for Footballer of the Year, I think he’s the favourite.”
“Lee Keegan picked him up last year and just sacrificed his whole game for him, so if Padraig Hampsey is willing to do that, Ciaran’s role on Sunday could be about making space for others and maybe clearing out that centre half forward position to leave a gap in the Tyrone defence.” said Brogan.
Brogan believes this battle could prove pivotal this Sunday as both player’s will be eager to finish their fantastic campaigns on a high.
“It’s a big game for both guys. I think Padraig Hampsey has a big reputation coming into this game, whilst Ciaran Kilkenny is probably front-runner for Footballer of the Year. So, I think that particular duel will go a long way towards deciding this game.”
There is no doubting the importance of both player’s to their respective sides chances of victory. Hampsey has proven himself as Tyrone’s go-to guy when they need to nullify an attacking threat.
Kilkenny on the other hand has changed from ball-carrying playmaker to Dublin’s scorer in chief.
It will be interesting to see how this particular battle will play out on Sunday.
Who will come out on top? Only time will tell…
The All-Ireland winning footballer was speaking at the launch of the second Family SportFest which provides an opportunity for both adults and children to trial the world-class facilities at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus. The event takes place on Sunday, September 30th 2018. Click on the link for more information.
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