Philly McMahon Reveals How He'd Force Dublin v Donegal To Parnell Park

Former Dublin star Philly McMahon believes Ger Brennan should have gone all out to ensure Sunday's All-Ireland clash with Donegal was played in Parnell Park.

The venue for the blockbuster Round 3 encounter was one of the major talking points of the week after Brennan publicly stated his preference for Donnycarney over Croke Park.

Ultimately, the game will take place at GAA headquarters on Sunday afternoon, with the loser exiting the championship.

Writing in his Irish Independent column, McMahon argued that Dublin have missed a significant opportunity.

The eight-time All-Ireland winner said he would have turned the venue issue into a major cause if he were in Brennan's position.

It’s easy from this side of the issue to say this now but if I were Ger Brennan, I’d have gone full bore on the Parnell Park thing.

I’d have made a cause out of it.

Get out and tell the world you want Parnell Park.

Then tell the county board to make it happen.

Then tell the players we’re not playing anywhere else.

Don’t blink. Don’t take a backwards step.

The longer it goes on, the more fired up the players will get about it.

Eventually, you’ll get your way.

Philly McMahon believes the issue goes beyond simply creating a siege mentality within the Dublin camp.

The Ballymun Kickhams clubman feels Croke Park no longer plays to the strengths of the current Dublin side and that a smaller venue would have significantly increased their chances of overcoming Jim McGuinness's men.

It’s not just about rallying the troops either.

Croke Park does not suit this Dublin squad.

Dublin are giving up a fair chance of winning this game by not playing it in Donnycarney.

The comments come after a week of debate surrounding the venue.

Ger Brennan initially expressed a desire to bring the game to Parnell Park, arguing that Dublin should make use of home advantage when afforded the opportunity.

However, logistical concerns and the likely demand for tickets made a move away from Croke Park increasingly unlikely.

Parnell Park has a capacity of around 8,000, while Sunday's clash is expected to attract a crowd many times that size.

Donegal arrive in Dublin looking to bounce back from their surprise defeat to Cork, while Dublin kept their season alive with victory over Cavan.

For McMahon, however, the Dubs have already surrendered one important advantage before a ball has even been kicked.

The former defender is convinced that Sunday's showdown would have suited Dublin far more had it been staged in the tighter confines of Parnell Park rather than the wide-open spaces of Croke Park.