Cork legend Dinny Allen on football rule changes, hurling disappointment and Nemo's season
Dinny Allen of Cork is taken aside by referee Mickey Kerins during the 1989 All-Ireland semi-final against Dublin at Croke Park. Picture: INPHO
Former Cork star Dinny Allen was one of the most talented footballers ever to don the blood and bandage jersey.
He lifted Sam Maguire in 1989, bridging a 16-year gap, and also impressed on the hurling and soccer front.
The GAA is very much still in his DNA and he has strong views about Cork football and his beloved Nemo Rangers. Holder of eight Cork senior football championship medals and four All-Ireland club titles, he retired from Rebel red after the 1989 All-Ireland, the same year that Cork won the league.
Now in full retirement, after a long spell coaching, Allen’s love for the sport hasn’t waned as he continues to support his club and his county.
Looking back on the Cork campaign, Allen believes they are heading in the right direction under his former team-mate John Cleary.
“I think getting promoted to Division 1 will only help the team as they will be playing in the top tier and that can only help players gain valuable experience against better opposition."
In the Division 2 final against Meath that Cork lost, Allen was very disappointed with the final quarter.
“I felt we were better for three quarters of that game but in the end, I was scratching my head wondering how we actually lost and that was a worry for me."
The Munster final against Kerry was eagerly awaited but Allen was disappointed with the overall display.
“From my time playing, which was many moons ago, I thought the atmosphere in Killarney was strange and in fairness, I thought the lads didn’t do themselves justice.”
The victory over Donegal in the All-Ireland series was an astonishing result and Allen felt they were definitely on an upward curve.
“I felt after that win that this Cork team have settled as beating Donegal on their patch is no mean feat and credit to all concerned, they showed the sort of resilience that’s needed at this level.”
When a semi-final beckoned, Cork missed their opportunity when falling to a Mayo side who they created more chances than in Croke Park.
"When you look back, Cork had 36 shots and only made 16. Brian O’Driscoll was denied a goal chance late in the game. In all honesty, this was a game we should have won as I felt we were the better side.”
The resurgence of Mayo this season has taken the GAA by storm.
“I don’t think many gave Mayo a chance but they stepped up brilliantly despite a sluggish start. In all fairness, their forwards were excellent in how they kicked and moved and Kerry had few answers.
The recent rule changes are positive but Allen believes they need a few more adjustments.
“I think stopping players passing back once they get over the half-way line must be brought in as there is still lots of moping around with the ball on players' toes and for me that’s not a good watch.”
On the Cork hurling front, Allen, who has previously managed his club in that code, was frustrated with the season.
“To me, this short passing game that Cork has must go, as in my time a pass was made to unmarked players, who then had an option what to do with the ball, but we need a change of approach to get up to the standard of hurling that Limerick has produced in recent years.”
Nemo lost their opening Premier Senior game to Newcestown and Allen believes his club have work to do to stay in contention.
“We had defeated Newcestown in the league to keep our Division 1 status so I felt we would be okay in the championship but we simply didn’t play well enough to win.
“It’s worrying times as easy for people to say that we will win our two remaining games but look, every club suffers a decline no matter what they have won, and we have work to do. Robbie O'Dwyer and the lads will work harder than ever to get us back on track.”
Allen was a pleasure to watch during his playing career and deservedly will be remembered as a legend of the game.
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