Dublin manager Dessie Farrell says his side will move “into a different realm” when they face Armagh in their Allianz League Division 1 opener next Saturday.

The Dubs shook off a dogged Laois challenge in yesterday’s O’Byrne Cup final at Netwatch Cullen Park, where it finished 1-13 to 0-11 in the capital men’s favour.

Speaking to RTE Sport afterwards, Farrell says they’ll have to up their performance considerably for what he expects to be a tough challenge against the Orchard County next weekend.

"You're moving into a different realm (against Armagh) and that's no disrespect to Laois who were very, very competitive today," he said.

"Armagh would have been out the gap. They're well organised with Kieran (McGeeney) and very fit, very physical with a good game plan.

"Our objective in the O'Byrne Cup was to try out some new players and we've done that through the various rounds but also to give some core players some preparation for the start of the National League next week.

"We've managed to do that quite well over the last couple of weeks which we're happy with. There's a proper test of character when you go a man down. It was something we spoke about at half-time in terms of upping the intensity and the work rate.

"There were some really encouraging performances from some of the newer players, that started or were introduced. We're happy with today's exercise for sure."

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