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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Darragh Culhane

Kerry legend Aidan O'Mahony says Dublin could be RELEGATED if they lose this Saturday

Kerry legend Aidan O'Mahony reckons Dublin could face a relegation battle if they fail to beat Kerry this weekend.

Dublin were the only Division One side that lost on the opening weekend of the National League after they were comprehensively beaten by Armagh.

And all eyes will be on Kerry's clash with Dublin that takes place in Tralee on Saturday evening.

Speaking to Paddy Power, O'Mahony said: "It’s a bit unusual that Dublin aren’t coming down as All Ireland champions this weekend and having lost to Armagh, there’s a lot of pressure on them as well.

"The worrying thing for Dublin is some of their main players aren’t back – the likes of Con O’Callaghan, Johnny Cooper, McCarthy, Fitzsimons, Paddy Small.

"It is still the biggest game in GAA when Dublin and Kerry meet. Tickets were sold out within two days. Kerry always felt, whatever happens, Dublin can’t beat you at home. Croke Park suited Dublin the last couple of years.

"But we’re talking about a different Dublin team now. They’re in a transition. A lot of people are talking about them coming into the pack. It’s early days and you’ve to be careful what you wish for.

"It’s a 6-pointer game for both teams. The last thing we would want is for Dublin to come down here and turn us over.

"If they don’t beat Kerry and go on to face Mayo, who are a tough draw no matter who they play, Dublin could easily find themselves drawn into a relegation battle.

"If the Dubs can get a victory this weekend it’ll give them some motivation."

And Paddy Power have Kerry listed as 1/2 favourites while Dublin are 9/4 outsiders for the game..

And O'Mahony was not impressed with Kerry last weekend as they surrendered a four point half time lead as Kildare earned a hard fought draw.

He told Paddy Power: "They seemed to be cruising away and then it came down to two things; they were trying to hold ball and finish off the game and they let Kildare back into it.

"Once Kildare got the bit between the teeth after two or three points they finished with the draw, and Kerry were probably happy enough to come away with a draw.

"Some people are overreacting as well. We’re talking about the first round of the league.

"I know there was a lot of talk about Jack going back to his old hunting ground, when you think about last year Kerry were walloping teams and learning nothing from it.

"I think Jack will learn a lot from that encounter. Jack Barry and Diarmuid O’Connor will be back in the team now as well.

"With Dublin coming down the road on Saturday to Tralee, they haven’t won there since 2013, there’s no better game to set their stall."

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