This has nothing to do with Dublin.
Playing at Croke Park twice isn’t their fault. They’d have won three All-Irelands in a row regardless of where they played in 2015. 2016 and 2017. No-one blames them for something that the entire GAA voted on democratically.
But when a team like Donegal now has to play what will be two away games in the All-Ireland quarter-finals, it is an issue that needs sorting out. Next year, when it can be sorted out.
"I see an awful lot of self-interests here. Nobody mentioned Dublin's two home games before" 🔊@Woolberto and @ConanDoherty ask why Donegal and the rest of them didn't oppose the two Croke Park matches when they had the chance 🤔@TheGAAHour w/ @paddypower pic.twitter.com/6TSw6oRz5K
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 6, 2018
Whilst the GAA confirmed that the Donegal v Dublin game will go ahead at headquarters on Saturday week, there is even more to take out of this whole saga for the capital outfit.
If Dublin weren’t completely and absolutely sure about the advantage that the soil of Jones’ Road brings them, the complaints of late will have given them a surefire psychological edge.
Speaking on Thursday’s The GAA Hour football show, Colm Parkinson explained why the Dubs are even stronger after another public dispute.
“All of this is going to have a knock-on effect and it’s actually made Dublin’s position in Croke Park even stronger,” Wooly said.
“This has shone a light on it being their home ground and I’m sure Dublin, amongst themselves, could be quite happy the way this is all playing out, that a lot of counties are complaining about playing them at Croke Park. What does that mean for an All-Ireland final? Or a semi-final?
“Dublin will be like, ‘lads, everyone’s up in arms about this, let’s play on this. They’re afraid to come here!’
“Kerry and Mayo, they would never admit they’re afraid to go to Croke Park, because they’re not.
“I was talking to someone from Mayo recently about the Mayo-Kildare thing. His line to me was that Leinster counties are pathetic the way they complain about Dublin at Croke Park. If Mayo went down that road, who would challenge Dublin?
“Psychologically, it’s wrong. Players can never, ever, ever admit.”
Listen to the full show below.
