Derry manager Mickey Harte and Dublin manager Dessie Farrell.
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Allianz Football League Final |
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venue: croke park date: Saturday March 30th and Sunday March 31st Throw-in: Down v Westmeath, Division 3 final, Saturday 19:15 GMT. Armagh vs Donegal, Division 2 Final, Sunday 13:45 BST. Dublin vs Derry, Division 1 Final, Sunday 16:00 BST |
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coverage: Live text commentary and reporting on the BBC Sport website |
Derry manager Mickey Harte says Sunday's Allianz Football League Division 1 final against Dublin will give his side an opportunity to test themselves against the strongest side.
The Oak Leafers topped Division 1 with a 6-1 record, but that loss came against the Dubs.
“It's always good to get to a final, a big final in Croke Park and another chance to play for the Dubs,” Hart said.
“It’s a big ask, but I’m happy to be there.
“They are a top team, as they have been for many years, as All-Ireland champions last year.
“This is the place to be. In the finals, there's a national title on the line and this is Division I. Obviously the best in the division.
“Every team participating this weekend wants to win the title and we are no different.”
“The undefeated run probably created expectations.”
Derry came from behind to win 1-16 to 1-11 against Dublin at Celtic Park on 2 March, against an under-strength side.
“It was a good opportunity to try and give some players the chance to play against the best players in the game. We had won four games at that stage so we felt pretty safe,” Hart said. explained.
“By ending the undefeated record that had all the expectations, we might be able to take the heat off a little bit.
“We have seen that the challenges are there and we have seen the situation in Dublin over the last few weeks, especially against Tyrone. [a 5-18 to 0-12 win for the Dubs last week].
“I know Tyrone have a weakened squad and lack experienced players, but that didn’t take away from the quality that Dublin produced.
“It's scary considering what they are capable of.”
Gain experience in Croke Park
Tyrone All-Ireland winner Hart will be hoping his side will make the most of the experience they gained this weekend ahead of their Ulster SFC opener against Donegal on April 20.
“It’s good to play at Croke Park and get the Croke Park experience.
“It’s a double-bill final, so there will be quite a number of people, and the players will have the experience of playing on that pitch, the experience of the players playing against top-level players, and it will be intimidating otherwise. I don't know anything about that.
“When the Doves start singing on The Hill, there’s an atmosphere like no other.”
