Gilroy not surprised by O’Gara contribution

Eoghan O'Gara impressed for Dublin on Saturday night

Eoghan O’Gara impressed for Dublin on Saturday night

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy has said he was not surprised by Eoghan O’Gara’s match-winning knock of 1-05 in the clash with Laois in the Allianz Football League on Saturday.

O’Gara helped Dublin to a 1-14 to 1-09 victory in the Division 1 game in Portlaoise, with Diarmuid Connolly also amongst the scores.

Gilroy told RTÉ: “The two of them did well. Eoghan is a guy that we have a lot faith in. We always respect the contribution he makes because he always gives 100%. He has a lot of football in him and it’s the first time in the two years that we have been involved with him that he’s been clear of injury. We wouldn’t be shocked by him doing that.”

The Dubs made a slow start to the game and were given scares by Laois at various stages in the game.

Gilroy was happy with how Dublin coped with the setbacks.

“It was not a great night to play football, it was hard to keep your feet and it was hard to keep hold of the ball at times. We made a lot of silly mistakes in the game but you expect that at this time of year. We did a lot of good things as well and when we had the six-point lead, we really should have pushed on.

“We gave away a very silly goal through our own mistakes really. But you have to be happy with the effort and enthusiasm for the battle that was there because Laois were good and they were up for it.”

The Dublin boss praised the home side for their performance, feeling they have made good progress from last year’s disappointing Championship campaign.

“They caused us a lot of trouble at the start of the match. I think we should have had a couple of scores on the board before they started and they got a bit of a run on us. But it was impressive how our lads turned that around as well. Laois have improved an awful lot.

“They probably didn’t do themselves justice in the Championship and they are a coming team. There is no doubt about it. They were stronger than they were last summer. They might look lighter but they’ve got a lot stronger than they were last summer.”