Familiar rivals set to serve up thrilling SFC final

Thu, 26th October 2017

It's a bumper weekend of action in Dublin GAA with both the SHC and SFC finals sure to attract large crowds to Parnell Park.

Both deciders will see familiar rivals in opposing corners with holders Cuala facing Kilmacud Crokes in the hurling final on Saturday (3.30), a repeat of last year, while on Monday night (7.0) reigning champions meet Ballymun Kickhams.

Ballymun Kickhams forward Kevin Leahy sets the scene perfectly ahead of Monday's football decider.

“We know each other well. There won’t be much need to watch any video or anything,” says Kevin.

“Even the league games between us, if we hadn’t the Dublin lads it would still be hammer and tongs.

“I suppose it’s like anything else, when a team gets to the top everybody wants to knock them off.

“Obviously, they’re gunning for us and we’re gunning for them.”

Kickhams, like their opponents, boast a very strong panel including five current Dublin senior panelists - Philly McMahon, John Small, James McCarthy, Dean Rock and Evan Comerford.

The first four all started in this year's successful All-Ireland SFC final victory for the Dubs while Evan is sub keeper to Stephen Cluxton and played a key role for Dessie Farrell's Dublin U21s in winning this year's historic All-Ireland glory, the last playing of the competition at that age grade.

Kevin Leahy is hoping that their winning attitude can help the Mun to victory on Monday night.

“The lads have sort of an in-built self-confidence from the three or four years with Dublin," says Kevin.

“It’s more that that rubs off on you, it’s a collective self-confidence.

“No arrogance about them at all, just more they’ve genuine belief that if they stick to their strengths they’ll dig out a result.

“They don’t try and do things we thought they couldn’t do, it’s just more the sense of calm, reassurance and confidence that filters out to the rest of the group.”

TICKET INFORMATION FOR DUBLIN SHC/SFC FINALS

Dublin Senior Hurling Championship Final – Saturday 28^th October – 3.30pm – Parnell Park

Dublin Senior Football Championship Final – St Vincents v Ballymun Kickhams – Monday 30^th October – 7pm – Parnell Park

Admission to the Stand is strictly by ticket only.

Stand: €15

Terrace: €15

OAP & Students: Purchase full price tickets and collect a rebate of €5 with valid I.D. at concession stile on match day.

Juveniles: Free of charge in the terrace, Stand: €5

Parnell Pass: Members are entitled to free admission to the Senior Championship Finals. Members must present their Pass for scanning at the designated turnstiles in Parnell Park.

Tickets are available online at www.dublingaa.ie/tickets and Centra & Supervalu Stores