Denis Bastick optimistic ahead of Sunday’s big duel

Wed, 26th August 2015

Dublin midfielder Denis Bastick is hoping the experience of winning two recent All-Irelands can help propel Jim Gavin's men to victory in this Sunday's semi-final against Mayo in Croke Park (3.30).

Croke Park will be packed to the rafters so experience could be a vital factor in a closely fought battle.

“It is a great place we are in right now,” says Denis. “We have got the experience of winning. We have done it twice in recent years and we will use that the next day.”

While the Dubs may have lifted the Sam Maguire in 2011 and 2013 it has only served to whet their appetite and the Templeogue Synge Street midfielder says that Mayo will not hold any advantage in the hunger stakes.

“We’ve hunger ourselves. We were disappointed last year. We set out at the start of the year and our aim was to win an All-Ireland.

“This year is no different. If you come out to our training sessions, you’ll see the hunger that we have there.

“They haven’t won it in so many years and there’s a lot of talk about their hunger and their curse and what not. These guys in our camp are hungry for success and a win as well.”