Don't write off Dublin, the talent is there to win Sam, insists Bugler
Seán Bugler certainly hasn't lost a wry sense of humour. After spending some time perched on a fifth-floor balcony – the view across Dublin city centre made for the perfect photographic backdrop – he clambers in through a narrow opening to where some chairs are gathered around for an interview.
When it's said to him tongue-in-cheek – 'don't pick up an injury now' – he responds with a laugh: 'I'm already injured.'
It was the reason he wasn't on the field at Portlaoise for the result that sent shockwaves around the country: Meath ending Dublin's 14-year reign as Leinster football champions with a drama-packed victory at O'Moore Park. Seán Bugler at the Staycity Aparthotels launch for Dublin GAA. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
It was Bugler's misfortune that, in the form of his life this season — he won four Man of the Match awards during Dublin's seven-match league campaign — he was sat in the stand with the squad's walking wounded as Meath clinched a final place against Louth.
'Really, really disappointing,' he admits. 'Just didn't perform on the day. Just basic errors. Fundamentals, just didn't execute them. Look, no matter who you're playing, if you're not going to execute the basic skills for a full 70 minutes, you're going to be chasing your tail.
'Full credit to Meath, they deserved to win on the day. They came up with a game plan. They stuck with it. They executed it. They fully deserved their win on the day. Ronan Ryan celebrates Meath's victory over Dublin. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
'Look, it is what it is. You have to take it. I suppose the positive thing for us is we're still in the championship. Our goal of winning the Sam Maguire hasn't changed.
As Dublin missed chances and fluffed their lines, it was hard not to think that a player who has brought his game to another level this year as a potent strike forward could have been the difference.
Just don't suggest to Bugler that Dublin aren't still All-Ireland contenders. Seán Bugler at the Staycity Aparthotels launch for Dublin GAA. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
Today, the draw for the All-Ireland group stages will be made and, as third seeds, Dessie Farrell's side will have it all to do. 'Losing any game, you might question your confidence, but I see the talent, everyone sees the talent within the group. Yes, we haven't performed to our best, but, look, the draw is going to be made. You could get a tough group, but we'll cherish it,' he says.
'If you want to win the All-Ireland, which we do, you're going to have to knock the big teams off their horse as well.
That third seeding is significant in that it means being drawn away first to a provincial winner which could mean one of the All-Ireland favourites such as Galway, Kerry, Armagh or Donegal.
'Look, it's not ideal but we'll be looking forward to it. We'll be ready. We'll really prime ourselves, whoever we get, and we'll really put ourselves in a decent position to put our best foot forward on the day. You want to play the big teams. You want to really test yourself against the big teams as well. So that's what we look forward to. Midfield action featuring Conor Duke and Adam O'Neill of Meath and Dublin players Ciaran Kilkenny and John Small. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
'Our goal hasn't changed. We still want to win the All-Ireland.'
As for the four Man of the Match awards, he said the onus was on him to step up after the glut of high-profile retirements. Having been used as a kind of counter-attacking wing-back, a more natural role of wing-forward really suits a two-footed shooter.
'We have obviously lost a lot of players, a lot of experienced players and with that a lot of talent. I always knew I had the potential and the talent to perform like that, it was just about showing it.
'And this year I really went after it in the off-season and really wanted to get better and show what I'm made of.' Meath manager Robbie Brennan, celebrates winning a late free, with coach Shane Supple and logistics manager Karl Manning. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
So what exactly clicked? 'Confidence, just backed myself. Obviously, the new rules played a big factor as well in terms of just more space for forwards. All the forwards want to see is green grass to take the man on and that's what you have with the new rules.'
Teams have to leave three forwards up so can't park the bus and Bugler has put on an exhibition at different times in taking the ball on the burst and finding pockets of space to clip scores.
On the panel since 2019, he's 27 now and hitting his prime. Off the field, he's facing a new challenge, having just finished as a secondary school teacher at North Brunswick Street.
Looking to go into sales, talking to a few companies at the minute but for now, a bit of extra time for the summer suits him just fine.
Write him – and Dublin – off at your peril.
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