WHILE he feels that there is a gap between Dublin and the rest of the country, Tomás Ó Sé believes that the style employed by Tyrone and Donegal could pose problems for the All-Ireland champions later in the year.
The former Kerry defender has been impressed by the start made by Rory Gallagher’s side, who have won two and drawn one of their four League games despite losing a wealth of experienced players to retirement over the winter.
Conceding that they would be “lost” if Michael Murphy was to suffer an injury, the five-time Allstar feels they are the only team outside the perceived top four of Dublin, Mayo, Kerry and Tyrone that could win Sam Maguire.
“Tyrone could possibly frustrate Dublin more than any other team. It’s very, very early but I think Tyrone will be in with a great chance.
“Donegal, to me, I was expecting with all the amount of retirements they had to not be able to kick in the League. But I tell you, they’ve impressed me.
“The young McHughs and the young fella Ciaran Thompson in midfield, he’s a good player.
“I know they’ve had good minor teams the last three or four years and they’re bringing them in, and they’re actually making an impact.
“I knew they had players coming up but I thought they mightn’t make an impact at senior level yet, but so far, so good. The system they have frustrates the Dubs.
“But Michael Murphy is carrying them too. Above all the retirements, if that man was lost, Donegal would be lost. He’s a beast of a man, an unbelievable footballer.
“I’d love to see him inside but the amount of work he goes through. I was watching their League game lately I watched on TV and he was head and shoulders above anybody else. The amount of selfless work he does.
“Outside those top teams, the gap is widening. The Corks, the Galways, the Meaths, I think the gap is widening between them and the top level.
“Is there a gap between Dublin and rest? Possibly. The problem with the Leinster Championship is we won’t know anything until the [All-Ireland] semi-final in August.”
