Jim Gavin was pleased with Dublin's resilience once they went down to fourteen men during Saturday's five point win over Donegal. The Dublin manager sounded well content as Dublin's bounced back for their narrow defeat down in Cork.
After Kevin McManamon was sent off, Dublin's remaining players upped their intensity and they went on to win 2-10 to 0-11.
'There was good mental strength in that period to keep our shape. Defensively, it was a good performance. In that 25 minute period we only conceded three points with fourteen men. And offensively, I think we looked threatening with fourteen men as well.'
Gavin's priority in the League is making sure Dublin are primed for the championship - if they pick up wins along the way, that's all well and good. He is also eager to draft in new players who have showed well with their clubs.
'The priority is that we come away from the National League in good fettle for the championship. That is the priority. Along the way, our process is to try and get performances. And if that happens then that is two points along the way.'
Gavin was asked if he expected Donegal to pack fifteen men behind the ball.
'That's the way they play. There's no right or wrong way to play Gaelic games. That model has worked for them, they have been so successful. There was no surprise. I saw the tape against Derry and they played like that. They're a very, very polished side.'
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