Wicklow hero keeper ready for Dubs test
May 15, 2018
Wicklow's Mark Jackson celebrates at the final whistle ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
by Daragh Small
Wicklow goalkeeper Mark Jackson says qualifying to face Dublin in the Leinster championship quarter-final is a dream come true after the Garden county claimed a first win in the Leinster championship since 2013.
Wicklow defeated Offaly 1-20 to 1-15 after extra-time in their Leinster first round tie at O'Moore Park in Portlaoise on Sunday.
And now the 19-year-old Baltinglass clubman is set to come against the best team and goalkeeper in the game.
Wicklow return to Portlaoise in a fortnight's time to face the reigning All-Ireland champions and Stephen Cluxton on Sunday 27 May, and Jackson is excited by the challenge.
"We will give it a go against Dublin. It's a big occasion. It's very exciting, I can't wait now. It's a few hard weeks. We will give it a good rattle," said Jackson.
"I wouldn't really know many of them. They would be at a bit of a higher standard than myself at the minute.
"Look, I am going to go out, give it all I can and that's all you can do. Hope for the best.
"It's going to be a great game. We are just going to go out and express ourselves. That's all we can do and see from there."
Jackson gave an inspired display against Offaly where he top scored with seven points and also performed heroics in defence.
As well as his placed ball heroics he saved a second-half penalty from Offaly full-forward Nigel Dunne to help force extra-time.
"I would normally kick the frees. But to be honest, when I kick them I don't know what the score is. I just try and kick it and that's it," said Jackson.
"I am still in awe, it was a great game, my heart is still pounding here.
"The spirit is good in the camp but there against Offaly just something completely clicked.
"I don't know what it was, it was brilliant. We knew we could win it. It took something from deep in us. We knew we had it, we brought it out and it was brilliant.
"Hopefully this will bring out more Wicklow supporters from now on. It's great. That's what all the fans need. It's a big boost to the county."
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