Dublin can build on Crokes success

GIVEN THEIR current National League form the thought of Dublin raising the Sam Maguire in six months’ time may seem a little remote but at least Kilmacud Crokes have given them some extra incentive. The last time the south Dublin club were victorious in an All-Ireland football final Dublin went on to do likewise. That was in 1995, and the fact Dublin are now waiting 14 years for the Sam Maguire, as opposed to the 12 years they were waiting in 1995, the sense of “ it’s about time” is even more apt.

Truth is they were saying the same thing last year when St Vincent’s became the first Dublin club since Kilmacud to claim the All-Ireland title – and there was more hope than expectation in the voice of Kilmacud captain Jonny Magee when addressing the matter on the back of Tuesday’s win in Croke Park.

“Well, Vincent’s won it last year, and now we’ve won it this year,” he said. “That’s brilliant for Dublin football. I just hope now Dublin can go on and win an All-Ireland. There are seven or eight young lads on this team well capable of going in, and giving it a good crack with Dublin, if they’re given the opportunity. But Dublin always want to win Sam Maguire, and it’s been 14 years for them now as well, so I just wish them all the best.”

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy has not yet decided when he’ll recall the Kilmacud players to his panel, nor has he decided exactly who they will be. Gilroy will announce his team for Sunday’s Division One meeting against Mayo at a press conference in DCU this afternoon, and the Kilmacud contingent definitely won’t play any part in that game, but it is likely that at least some of them will be recalled before the end of the league.

Defenders Kevin Nolan and Paul Griffin, midfielder Darren Magee, and forward Mark Vaughan were on the panel last year and virtually certain of a recall. But several others have a chance. Forward Pat Burke was on the Dublin panel last year but was later dropped, and fellow forward Mark Davoren also trained with them for a brief period before opting out.

Both Burke and Davoren are likely to get another run, although Liam Óg Ó hEinneachain, who was a regular on the Dublin panel in the Tommy Lyons era, has probably seen his chance pass.

Wing back Cian O’Sullivan, currently part of the under-21 panel who this Saturday play Westmeath in the Leinster semi-final, was in fact with the Dublin seniors earlier this year while suspended from club action, and will inevitably feature in Gilroy’s panel for the summer.

Then there’s the O’Carroll brothers, Ross and Rory. Despite their incredibly mature display in the full-back line against Crossmaglen, they remain more committed to their hurling, with Rory certain to walk straight back into the starting team of Dublin hurling manager Anthony Daly.

Rory O’Carroll, a member of last year’s Dublin minor hurling team, is also set for place on the senior hurling panel, so it remains to be seen if Gilroy – who has hinted his eagerness to give Ross a run on his football panel – and Daly are willing to accommodate some dual loyalties.

There is, by the way, another O’Carroll on the horizon, Bill, who is showing the same great hurling promise as his brothers, and is already a key member of this year’s Dublin minor panel.

Kilmacud manager Paddy Carr, meanwhile, admitted he has yet to give any thought to the idea of staying on in charge for another year, although he’s almost certain to be asked. And the question of how many Kilmacud players he felt should make the Dublin panel was something Carr diplomatically diverted.

“Well you’re asking the wrong man that question,” he said. “Obviously there are a lot of lads on this team that have the ability to move on in the game. No question about that.

“But every good club player wants to play for their county. And we wish them well. I’ve huge respect for the management team that is in there with Dublin at the moment. They’ve been very helpful towards us, and I would hope that this kind of victory, and the enthusiasm that it generates, will be carried through into Dublin as well.”