Jim Gavin: Players got opportunity to stake claim for NFL

Dublin manager, Jim Gavin, says that the Bord na Móna O'Byrne Cup served his side well despite their reversal to Longford in Sunday's semi-final at Pearse Park.

"It was a typical pre-season game. I thought Longford looked very fit and mobile for January and they fully deserved their victory, playing some very good football.

"But it has been a great workout for the Dublin football team as well. We tried our very best and I couldn't but commend the efforts of the Dublin players today but it wasn't good enough against a very good Longford team.

"We had a few chances when there was a point in it; we hit the post and a few shots went wide but that is not to take away from the Longford who bounced back and finished the game off quite comprehensively so all credit to them.

"They're a proud GAA county and you could see the reaction of the supporters; it meant a lot to them, and we wish them well in the final.

"We got four good games, tried a lot of players and gave them an opportunity to stake a claim for the National Football League panel," adds Jim.

"Coming out of today, we have two weeks uninterrupted preparation for the National Football League which is worth a lot of weight this time of year."