Sherlock springs to defence of Dublin teamates
"You try playing in front of 82,000 people in a Leinster Final": that's the challenge from Dublin's 1995 All-Ireland winning senior footballer Jason Sherlock to the chorus of disapproval over the way some of Paul Caffrey's side celebrated their scores in the provincial decider.
There has been criticism in some quarters over what some interpret as non-sporting behaviour on the big Croker stage but Sherlock sprung to the defence of his county colleagues and put it all down to adrenaline, predicting the issue would be forgotten about next month.
Jason Sherlock defends the actions of the Dublin footballers at the end of the 2007 Leinster SFC final.
Despite collecting their third Leinster SFC title in as many years, Dublin will not be resting on their laurels - Sherlock admitted that the hard work begins now as the Dubs eye a bigger prize in the Sam Maguire Cup.
Paul Caffrey's troops are back in training tonight as they reappraise their Leinster final victory over Laois but Sherlock knows that the three-in-a-row success will be quickly pushed to one side as Dublin chase their first All-Ireland title since 1995.
"Winning a provincial title and winning a three-in-a-row is a great achievement. We enjoyed it and we celebrated it, but we do realise that like any team, no matter level, we want to be the best and there is another challenge down the road and we have got one in four weeks' time," he said, after he was announced Ariel GAA Championship Bright Ambassador for 2007.
"If it was a standalone it would be great. There is no question that the three-in-a-row hasn't been done in so long but unfortunately football always has bigger challenges and there is another challenge now down the corridor with the All-Ireland quarter-final."
Casting the Leinster title aside, the St. Oliver Plunkett's/Eoghan Ruadh clubman Sherlock believes the real knockout football is now just beginning for his side.
"As good as it is - the Championship is only starting now and the reality of it is that we haven't played a knockout match yet. Regardless of what happened (in Leinster) we were still in the championship, whereas the next day the losers are gone, that's the reality of it and that's before we can get our heads around that."
At 31, Sherlock is the oldest player in this Dublin side and he is keen to pass on his knowledge to the likes of new kid on the block Mark Vaughan - just as Mick Galvin and Charlie Redmond imparted their wisdom to 'Jayo' in the past.
"Obviously I have been around for a while and I appreciate when a guy has talent and when a guy is raw. When you need a fella to make you win you do as much as you can to help them and I'd like to think from me to number 35 on the panel we all try to help each other," he said.
"I suppose the longer you are around, you see things. You experience things that maybe younger lads haven't experienced and you like to think that you can help them but that's football and that's a part of being involved and I wouldn't think I am different than anyone else in that regard."
Sherlock believes that Vaughan, who kicked 1-6 against Laois, is a very special footballer and hopes that the Kilmacud Crokes player can handle the pressure that comes with being a key member of the Dublin team.
"Mark Vaughan is Mark Vaughan, he's very black and white and there is no in between. On pure raw talent there is no question but that he has it. I suppose unfortunately for Dublin it's not just about being a good footballer, there is a lot more that goes with it and that can be difficult to take on board.
"It is difficult for young guys because they are scrutinised and the rest of it - everything they do is scrutinised," Sherlock added.
