DUBLIN BOSS JIM Gavin praised midfielder Michael Darragh MacAuley for not retaliating during the first-half incident that resulted in Laois player John O’Loughlin being sent-off in Nowlan Park last night.
O’Loughlin was shown a red card in the 28th minute in what was a major setback for Laois.
Dublin ran out 11-point victors by the end of this Leinster quarter-final and Gavin also referred to incidents in the league final against Kerry as proof of how his team stay disciplined.
“I thought Michael Darragh showed good self control and discipline not to react,” remarked Gavin, when asked about the incident.
“He could have. A bit like the last game, Johnny Cooper and James McCarthy, both of them were at the wrong end of tackles, but they showed good discipline and I think it’s a strength of the team.”
Gavin admitted there was disappointing aspects to Dublin’s second-half display.
“We’ll always be creative and expressive with our play. Laois are a good side. They have very potent forwards and good attacking half-backs.
“I think both goals were clinically taken and all credit to them. The players themselves will not be happy with that second-half performance.
“It certainly gives us a lot to reflect upon. We understand that just would not be good enough in our next game. That gives us a bit of focus for the coming weeks.”
Withdrawal
Gavin explained why Paul Flynn was a late withdrawal from the team and was replaced by Paul Mannion.
“Paul just had a bit of tightness coming into the game and in the warm up. He was togged out.
“It just wasn’t a game, this early in the season – or any game for that matter – to risk a player.
“If he’s 100% he’ll play, if they’re not they won’t and the players understand that.”
The match also afforded Gavin the chance to hand a senior championship debut to U21 player Con O’Callaghan. He came on as a second-half substitute and kicked a point.
“Con, first and foremost, has played very well with his club Cuala and based on that he’s done well with the U21′s.
“He’s performed well in our sessions and he got that time on merit. He played to the system and it’s good to see him getting his championship debut.”
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