Magee proves his mettle again

Leinster Club football championship Final: Dublin veteran Johnny Magee showed he has plenty more to offer at club and intercounty level, providing he is recalled, with a peerless first-half performance. He understandably tired after that.

Magee constantly launched ball into the forward line. He also swept across the middle third denying anyone, including Dermot Earley, a clear run at the Kilmacud rearguard.

"Johnny Magee shouldn't have been playing today," said his manager Nicky McGrath. "Johnny Magee had the flu all week. He didn't feel 100 per cent going out but as soon as you get Johnny out on the field and put a jersey on his back - that's the real man standing out on that field. Johnny is a fantastic example for everybody in this club. He is so vital to the cause. Huge man."

Considering he spent sleepless nights in a maternity ward awaiting the birth of his daughter two weeks ago, then influenza, the display epitomised the level of commitment required to win football matches against fellow county champions deep in December.

To get a Leinster title requires stamina. Last year Kilmacud lacked this trait when they came out of Dublin. With Darren Magee travelling the world and several key players injured, Portlaoise took care of them.

This has been addressed and as recent weeks show they now possess a panel strong enough to overcome the challenge of Rhode in the semi-final and Sarsfields yesterday.

"We were barely hanging in there but we were still there. The lads didn't drop their heads, there was no such thing as disharmony coming into the team. They were not getting annoyed with each other, they were trying to encourage each other to make a better effort and make that last drive."

Mark Vaughan has been a central figure in the journey from Portlaoise to yesterday. He still has some way to go, but is undoubtedly on the cusp of maturing into one of the most dangerous forwards in the country.

"I don't think last year we had the belief we could win it," said Vaughan. "This year there is a lot more belief in the team. Different lads are showing up on the day. Last year we had too much dependence on a couple of guys.

"The defending has come through more than anything. Huge performances like Collie Flanagan out there today. Paul Griffin. Players like Pat Burke have had a huge influence since he come in. He doesn't score much but he is the main ball winner around the park. He wins everything he goes to."

This was his third Leinster medal of the year after being a part of the Dublin under-21 and senior panels. The club accolade is sweeter though having played such a central role. "For Dublin I didn't start in the final so you don't really feel as if you are part of the team. I played most of the time except for one game so it means more than winning the Leinster with Dublin."

Down the corridor, Sarsfields manager Seán O'Sullivan kept it simple. You can only admire a man who can take such an agonising defeat on the chin yet keep smiling.

"The wind was a factor but football is a funny game. There was a kick of a ball between us but they'll be remembered and we'll be forgotten about.

"They are a very good side and they will take a bit of beating because they work very hard. The two Magees are mighty in the midfield although I thought we broke about even there today.

They are strong all over," he added.