Three-time All-Ireland winning Dublin goalkeeper Paddy Cullen was on Thursday’s OTB Live Drive for Five special and warned Dubs fans not to be complacent coming into the All-Ireland final.
While Jim Gavin’s men are going for their fifth title in a row, Cullen pointed out that there were plenty of close calls in Dublin’s recent final triumphs.
“We’ve won two All-Ireland’s with one point in the difference and we’ve won one with two points in the difference and one with three points in the difference.
“So if a team can stay with Dublin - fitness-wise, stamina-wise, strength-wise and hold them within a few scores or a score or two then I think it’s going to be a game and a half. I think Kerry are going to be ready for that,” Cullen said.
The former Dublin star, who also managed the Dubs for three years in the ‘90s, felt that anything could happen in Sunday’s final.
The last time Kerry and Dublin met on All-Ireland final day only three points separated them and Cullen predicted another close affair.
“2015, I remember it well. The ball was thrown in and the rain came down and it didn’t stop until they blew the final whistle and then the rain stopped again.
“We dominated the whole match in that 2015 game and we were still only three points ahead,” Cullen commented.
Anton O'Toole playing for Dublin in 1983Remembering 'The Blue Panther' Anton O'Toole
The Stoneybatter-born goalkeeper paid tribute to his former teammate Anton O’Toole who passed away earlier this year.
The pair played with each other for eight years during the 1970s and Cullen has fond memories of the man.
“As a footballer he was extraordinary. As a person, he was more extraordinary. He was a good friend of mine even though there was a serious age gap in the team.
“I have a lot of nice memories of Anton and it’s so sad that he’s left us. It’s still hard to get over really,” Cullen said.
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