Minor footballers ready for duel with Banner boys

Dublin minor football manager Tom Gray knows his team will have to have their mindset right for Monday’s Electric Ireland All-Ireland MFC quarter-final against Clare in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise (2.0).

The Banner County reach Monday’s clash as beaten Munster finalists, having also lost to the all-conquering Kerry minors in the first round in Munster.

“While they were pretty well beaten by Kerry in the first round of the Munster Championship, they have fought back very well to get to the Munster final and make the quarter-finals of the All-Ireland championship,” says Tom.

“They have responded very well to that disappointment and regrouped in the right manner and that shows a degree of character that this Clare team have.

“It’s probably fair to say that most people would expect us to come through this match but from what we know of Clare, they are not going to lie down.

“We really need to focus on our own game and make sure that we play to our potential as the challenges get tougher the further you progress in this championship.”

The young Dubs will be hoping to kick-on from their first half display in the Leinster final when defeating Louth as opposed to their second half when they flatlined as the game progressed.

“While it was great to win Leinster final and we played some very good football in that match, particularly in the first-half, it’s fair to say that the players weren’t happy with what they produced in the second-half of the game,” adds Tom.

“Given that we enjoyed a large lead at half-time, in some ways it’s understandable from a human point of view to take the foot off the gas to a degree.

“Our performance in the second-half just wasn’t good enough and not what we have come to expect from this group of players.

“Winning Leinster was great for the team but it’s in the past now and we are only looking ahead to the next challenge.

“We have been back at the hard work since winning Leinster and there is a very good mood in the camp,” says the Dublin minor manager.

“The attitude among the players remains exceptional and the desire among the players to do well and improve is apparent with every session," concluded Tom.