What we did last year won’t be good enough: James McCarthy

Dublin’s in-form wing-back James McCarthy says this team must continue to evolve if they are to stay ahead of the chasing pack.

“You can’t stand still. What we did last year isn’t going to be good enough to win it this year.”

The Dubs commence the defence of their Leinster SFC when they face Laois in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny this Saturday evening (7.0) and that’s the only focus for James and his team-mates – talk of winning back-to-back All-Irelands does not feature.

“The first thing you’ve got to accept is we haven’t defended the title … we are all very aware of that,” says James.

“We don’t see it as added pressure. What we did in the past is in the past, and we are very much trying to win it this year.

“I don’t think there is any added pressure on us at all. If there is, I think we all know how to really deal with it at this stage.

“I don’t think it will affect us. That’s not going to be the reason why we won’t win the All-Ireland this year if we don’t win it.

“It’ll be down to either we don’t perform on the day or a better team beats us, as simple as that.

“It won’t be because we’re worried about trying to defend our title, we’re gone beyond that now and are able to handle it.”

Ticket Information for the Leinster Senior Championship Quarter Final in Nowlan on Saturday June 4

Leinster Senior Football Championship – Dublin v Laois @ 7.00PM

British Junior Football Championship - London v Kilkenny @ 5.00PM

Tickets are available from www.dublingaa.ie/tickets , the GAA Ticket Office on Dorset Street and Centra and Supervalu stores.

Parnell Pass:

Parnell Pass holders must purchase their ticket for this game in Dorset Street ticket office from Tuesday 31^st May until Friday 3^rd June. Ticket Office opening hours 10am – 5pm. Late opening Tuesday 31^st May until 7pm.

Parnell Pass tickets cannot be collected on Match Day.

Ticket Information:

TICKET PRICES:

Stand - €20
Terrace - €10 (No Concessions)

FAMILY TICKETS:

1 Adult and 2 Juveniles etc.
Adults: €20
Juveniles: €5 each

Irish Rail have a Special return offer for fans travelling to Kilkenny.

Departs Heuston 16:15 Arrives Kilkenny 17:40.

Departs Kilkenny 21:20 Arrives Heuston 22:50

Price is €11:99 each way. See www.irishrail.ie