Chris Crummey says Dublin can beat anyone on their day
Wednesday 27 February 2019 18:05, UK
Chris Crummey says the Dublin hurlers are a match for any side as they continue to make strides under Mattie Kenny.
The men from the capital recorded their first competitive victory against Munster opposition since the 2017 Allianz League win over Cork, when they beat Waterford in Parnell Park last Sunday.
"Especially after the Galway game it's great to put in a performance and get the win," explained Crummey. "Winning is a habit as people say, and it definitely does make a difference. It does build confidence because we know that when we perform, we're as good as any team in the country but then when we're not at the level, we could be beaten.
"It's just about concentrating on ourselves and putting in the right performance because we know when we do, we can beat anyone on their day."
The Sky Blues are adapting to the new regime, as they continue their preparations for the Leinster championship. The Lucan Sarsfields club man says there has been continuity this season, as they continue to build momentum despite Pat Gilroy's shock departure:
"There's not that much difference at all, there's some similarities between Pat and Mattie, down to the terms of their management setups. They'd be professional men, they've great management teams in place. I suppose their principles are very, very similar in how they want us to play, it literally is just hard work and that's really what we're trying to do with each game.
"It's going to take time getting used to the plans and systems that are in place.
"I'd say we are further down the road [than last year]. It's a completely new year but it's a continuation of the progress we made last year. We have new additions to the panel, there are a lot of lads who have gotten game time and have really put their hands up for places. I just really think the strength and depth in our panel is greater than ever and that's what you need to be successful.
"We had 24 lads playing Fitzgibbon and I think that's great for Dublin - there are so many lads putting their hands up for places so that bodes well."
Last weekend's victory over the Deise was all the more significant as it was a meaningful win at Parnell Park. The Boys in Blue had a formidable record at the Donnycarney fortress throughout the Anthony Daly era and the beginning of Ger Cunningham's reign. Given the new championship format, home advantage is all the more crucial.
"We're delighted with Parnell Park - it's our home venue and the atmosphere for those big matches really helps the team," Crummey said.
"It's definitely my favourite ground in the country. The atmosphere in Parnell Park in big championship games is unreal. It's a great to have such a large Dublin support - they really add to the team's performance, especially in the closing minutes when they really get behind the team and it really makes a big difference. I always look forward to playing in Parnell.
"The way the championship is structured now with the home and away games, you really have to be making sure you get maximum points out of them home games. It's a place that we love playing and we have fond memories of playing there. Hopefully, when it comes to the championship, there will be a massive support like there was the last few years."
