Former Dublin star Dean Rock says clash against Galway ‘could be anyone’s game’

Dublin’s all-time record points scorer was speaking at the opening of the third Decathlon store in Ireland, located in the restored Clerys Quarter on O’Connell Street.

At the launch, he spoke about the Dubs and their chances against the Connacht champions in Croke Park tomorrow evening.

“I’m hoping Dublin will beat Galway, I think it’ll be quite a tough game. Of the other games, we’re thinking Armagh, Donegal and Kerry will come out of that side,” he told the Irish Independent.

“The Dublin and Galway game, it’s going to be evenly contested. Hopefully, Dublin comes out on the right side. I think they will.”

The Clerys building is an iconic Dublin building and in an age before mobile phones, was a key landmark for people to meet “under the clock”.

“As a child, I’d come into Clearys to do the Christmas shopping. It’s a very historic location so the guys in Decathlon are delighted to take over here now,” Dean said.

“It’s brilliant for them and they understand the tradition that exists here. It’s very Dublin, in the middle of O’Connell Street, it’s in the city centre.

“Everyone should be delighted that something is here now, it’s vibrant and it’s bubbly. So hopefully it’s a roaring success.”

After months of sourcing, Decathlon secured a long-term partnership for a 30-year agreement on the most famous street in Dublin. The opening will also see over 50 new jobs created locally, across various different areas.

Dublin Town, the city centre business lobby group which represents 2,500 members, also warmly welcomed the Decathlon Ireland outlet at Clerys today.

“Dublin City Centre is Ireland’s premier retail destination and the addition of an international retailer of Decathlon’s status can only provide a further boost to the city’s northside, raising footfall and engagement,” Dublin Town CEO Richard Guiney said.

“Dublin Town continues to work towards ensuring the city centre is a first class and welcoming retail location.”