We knew there was a Championship in this team: Johnny Magee

Johnny Magee hailed the efforts of his players following Monday night’s Dublin SFC1 final success when defeating St Jude’s (2-12 to 0-13) in Parnell Park.

While it was a strong team effort with heroes in every line, one man stood above all others . . . Paul Mannion.

The Dublin senior delivered a tour de force when kicking 1-6 from play, including some sublime scores.

“Mannion was very good. Delighted. He was very good on the ball. He was economical,” said Johnny, wo co-manges the team with Robbie Brennan.

“He sensed when the opportunities were there. We knew that Jude’s were coming with a competitive edge so we knew we’d have to move the ball quickly.

“And if the opportunity was there to take a score, we take it. Obviously there were times there when they had numbers behind the ball.

“We had to be patient. Yes, it’s frustrating. But you have to pick your holes and go when the chances come up.

“Looking at the lads we had, the talent in the group – we knew that there was definitely a Championship in the team.

“And we knew that it wasn’t going to be easy but if we got the right mix of football and knowing how to get the ball back when we didn’t have it.”