Casey sizes up a rare Championship encounter

Though the sides haven’t met in Senior Football Championship since 1923, Dublin and Monaghan have had some tough league battles through the years. 2011 All-Ireland winner Paul Casey vividly remembered these rare occurrences, and the Lucan Sarsfields man spoke to dublingaa.ie about what makes Monaghan such a different prospect for the Boys in Blue. 

“There were always great Dublin-Ulster battles and even though we played a lot of those it still seemed to take a long time before we played Monaghan. Because the games were so rare there was always a novelty, I suppose, but always a bit of bite – whether it was in the League or in a challenge game.”

Paul remembers these games because of the bite, and enjoyed the battles against a team that played with nothing to fear.

“Monaghan don’t fear Dublin… They raise their game and there was always an edge. Sometimes it simmered over but it mostly made for a game you had to give your all in. They throw everything at you and always played like they had nothing to lose.” 

Turning to the upcoming fixture and the apparent might of Jim Gavin’s squad, Casey was quick to credit the man who started the process.

“Pat [Gilroy] started what Jim has in place now. This team has really developed from a side that, when I was starting out, relied on 12 lads who started every game. Over time that grew to a really good 15 and 2, 3, then 5 strong subs. Now has Jim taken over and developed and built a squad of a very strong 30 and beyond, and any 26 lads could have a huge part to play every game. He can read each game and pick the best lads for it.”

Monaghan have also developed under their manager, Malachy O’Rourke, and their mix of youth and experience is what Paul believes is driving their Championship campaign.

“Malachy has really brought them on, and there’s a strong group of guys who were young and up-and-coming when I was playing who are now their leaders. McManus is the obvious one, and McGuiness is very nippy and tenacious… but then you have the likes of Paul Finlay and Vinny Corey, guys who have experienced tougher days for Monaghan football and are now energised by this young group establishing themselves. Their new approach suits the team and not individuals, and that’s definitely been their strength this year.” 

In spite of the strength of this Monaghan side, Casey still feels that Dublin’s infamous strength in depth will be too much for the Ulster side to stick with for the full 70 minutes. 

“For 55 minutes I think Monaghan will give everything and really put it up to us, but Dublin just has too much scoring power. Cormac Costello is the team’s top scorer this year, coming from the bench, and it’s the real sign of how much the subs have starred and contributed this year. Monaghan are heavily reliant on frees for their scores, so if the Dublin back-line can keep the free count low, I expect them to pull ahead. Monaghan also seem to be vulnerable to a goal so I expect Dublin to take it by 5 or 6 in the end.”

Dublin Vs Monaghan throws in at 6pm, Saturday August 9th, in Croke Park.

Dublin Inter-County Career

All-Ireland SFC Career: 2002-2012

All Ireland SFC Winner: 2011

Leinster SFC Titles: 8

Leinster U21FC Title:1

Leinster MFC Title: 1