Bernard determined to make impact - from start or off the bench

Fri, 16th June 2017

Bernard Brogan has started Dublin's last two championship games on the bench.

Two weeks ago against Carlow in the Leinster SFC quarter-final, when he clipped two points (one of either foot) on his introduction and last October's All-Ireland final replay when he helped the Dubs over the line in a dramatic conclusion.

However, the St Oliver Plunkett's/Eoghan Ruadh sharp-shooter is determined to win back a starting slot and failing that do whatever he can for the county in the role of impact sub.

“Jim (Gavin) pulled me aside before the All-Ireland final and said ‘yourself and Michael Darragh are starting from the bench. It’s something different we want to do for this game. We want to do something different’.

“I wanted to prove to the team that I wasn’t going to be moping about,” says Bernard. “I had a word with Michael Darragh and said ‘when this team is named, let’s step up and look them all in the eye and show no signs of throwing the toys out of the pram’.

“I just felt if this was going to happen, try and add as much positivity to the group in that situation.

“Did it do anything for the team? Maybe not. But I thought for me, it gave me energy.

“And it will be the same again this year. Whatever the role has to be, it’s still an honour to put on a Dublin jersey and any chance you get to wear it is an honour.

“But I’m far from finished. I’m far from done with it,” adds Bernard.