We’re fortunate to have such loyal supporters: Jim Gavin

Dublin senior football manager Jim Gavin has praised both the Dubs fans, who travelled to Kilkenny on Saturday, and hosts as the Dubs progressed to a Leinster SFC semi-final.

Dublin played their first SFC game in ten years away from Croke Park and emerged with an 11-point victory despite a speed wobble in the second half.

“It was fantastic. Absolute honour and privilege to come down to such an iconic ground like Nowlan Park and play,” says Jim.

“The Kilkenny county board have been absolutely fantastic, pure class. And I suppose that reflects on their hurling team and the way they go about their business here.

“The ground was in superb condition, it’s a fantastic stadium. It’s a model for all counties and the pitch reminded me of the old Croke Park, great sod on it.

“Our support base, for them to travel in such numbers was just oustanding. We’re just very fortunate to have such loyal supporters.

“This was a great opportunity for us to play in such an iconic ground like Nowlan Park.

“Wherever we’re asked to play, be it in the League or the Championship, it’s just a privilege to represent Dublin and be out there and perform as best we can.”

Regards the injury to Dublin forward Paul Flynn the Dublin boss suggested it should not upset too much the Fingallians’ man’s preparations for the provincial semi-final against Meath or Louth on Sunday, June 26.

“Paul just had a bit of tightness coming into the game and in the warm-up, he was togged out, so it just wasn’t a game this early in the season – or any game for that matter – to risk a player

“If they’re 100 per cent, they’ll play. If they’re not, they won’t and the players understand that.”