HE SOLDIERED WITH them for years for the Dublin football cause and annual rounds of golf help maintain their close links.
But Jack Sheedy will be parking friendships in Croke Park on Sunday. As Longford boss he has the onerous task of trying to take down a powerful Dublin force that is under the guidance of his former team-mates.
“We all meet up at different stages throughout the year, usually on a golf course at some stage. I know Jim (Gavin) well, I know Mick Deegan very well – Mick and I were together for a long time.
“Declan Darcy, Davy Byrne the goalkeeping coach, I know all the lads very well. So whilst we mightn’t see each other weekly or monthly even, we do keep in touch from time to time.”
The Longford manager said that while it would be better for his team to be enjoying home comforts this weekend, he has no qualms in travelling to Croke Park.
“In certain ways it would have been lovely if Dublin were coming to Pearse Park, but it was never something that was going to happen. It was never on the agenda.
“But our lads are really looking forward to going to Croke Park because it’s where you want to test yourself, you want to play the big teams and this is our opportunity.”
Sheedy admits they face a dilemma taking on the red-hot favourites on Sunday.
“Do you go in and park the bus and set up a blockade and try and not get beaten or do you try and be true to yourselves and go out and go toe-to-toe with Dublin?
“Teams at a higher level than us have tried to do both of those things and have failed. We are looking at a few different things we want to do and if we can manage to do them well then it will give us an opportunity to give a decent account of ourselves.
“And that’s what we can do, I’m not going to go out and start shouting that we are going to beat Dublin or do this that or the other. We’re realistic about our chances but we have to try and be as true to ourselves as we possibly can.
“If we can give a really good account of ourselves by playing a good standard and a good brand of football then we will see where that brings us. I’m not saying it’s going to get us a win but it will give us a decent chance for a while anyway,” he added.
Originally published at 00.05
