Brogan keen for return to action

HAVING missed all of Dublin’s stop-start and ultimately unsuccessful National League campaign, star forward Bernard Brogan is chomping at the bit to get back on the field come championship time.

The All-Ireland champions will begin the defence of their crown against either Westmeath or Louth on June 3.

“The league was up and down with some great performances and some poor shows as well,

? says Bernard.

“I think we all had to have a chat and put the mindset right and let lads know that it is not going to be easy.

“Whoever we face in the first game is going to be a great test and it will really let us know where we stand but we are really looking forward to it.

?

With Bernard’s own absence from the Sam Maguire holders’ starting line up since the win over Kerry last September, how does he feel now physically as the summer and championship comes into focus?

“I think personally having played a challenge game against Carlow, the body felt good playing the whole game,

? he states.

“I have done a lot of training over the last couple of weeks. It is about planning and trying to get the right work and as much of it as I can.

?

Always conscious of the fact that teams raise the bar when they play Dublin, this year more than ever the challenge is going to be there as they face the champions.

“Teams always raise their game against Dublin,

? says the Oliver Plunkett’s clubman.

“It is a big day out in Croke Park for a lot of teams and they have the chance to knock the Dubs off their perch but we thrive on that as well.

“We need to keep giving everything in the tank and we can’t become complacent because if we do we won’t come out with results. That is our big challenge this year.

?

Bernard is aware of the challenge on the pitch but how does he feel about the one off it for the GAA with the Olympics and European Championships set to vie for fans’ attentions this summer?

“Dublin fans have always been great,

? he maintains.

“We see the reaction when we brought Sam back. I think we went to over 400 schools and the smile it put on people’s faces – that’s what the GAA is about, trying to get the kids involved and getting them active and playing.

“That’s where I met all my friends through GAA. Obviously I love it and this summer is very competitive for the kids with so many sports events taking place but the GAA are making a stand promoting the game and trying to get kids playing and supporting GAA.

?

Bernard will have his own part of play in the Olympics having been named as one of the people who will carry the Olympic torch when it visits the Republic on June 6 ahead of the games in London.

“It’s a huge honour, especially for someone from an amateur sport to be asked to carry such a prestigious thing as the Olympic torch,

? he adds.

“So many legends have been in that situation and it is a huge honour for me and my family to be involved in such a day.

?