GAVIN CUMMISKEY
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Dublin's entry into the football championship, this Sunday against Laois in Croke Park, is how Jim Gavin presents the All-Ireland champions.
In any other county three jerseys would be freed up to accommodate under-21 masters Jack McCaffrey, Cormac Costello and Paul Mannion.
One of the three should start, maybe two, but not all three.
The number seven jersey appears to be a straight fight between Kevin Nolan and McCaffrey, who have an All-Ireland apiece in the position.
Speculation
The constant speculation about Michael Darragh Macauley’s midfield partner could be alleviated by Cian O’Sullivan’s return to centre field.
Laois may have come too soon for Ger Brennan’s conditioning programme, so Nolan could go to centre back. Tomás Brady and Nicky Devereux are the impressive alternatives.
What Gavin does expect is Colm Begley’s return for Laois after the Parnells club officer was punished by Tomás Ó Flatharta for opting to play with his employers. The Laois manager dropped the former Brisbane Lions recruit for the 0-21 to 1-11 victory over Wicklow in Aughrim on May 18th but all has seemingly been forgiven.
“I would (expect his return)”, said Gavin. “A player of his skill and the attributes he brings along with his brother (Paul) in that half-back line. Colm can play in the half-forward line as well, he’s a very versatile player for Laois.”
The Stradbally man’s return increases the physicality through Laois’s spine that appears to be influencing Gavin’s combinations.
"They are very strong in the middle, with John O'Loughlin, who we'd know from playing up in Dublin in Parnells. He's very strong with (Kevin) Meaney in the middle – two big, giant men who can both score and punish you.
"To have the likes of Colm Begley in there with James Finn and (Billy) Sheehan on the wing, they've caused a load of trouble for teams in recent games.
“It’s a pretty formidable midfield unit. You have (Darren) Strong attacking from wing back so they’re quite a dangerous team and as I say, they’re our biggest threat now.”
How to find room for Mannion and the rise of Costello takes some head-scratching. Paddy Andrews could make way for Mannion or Costello.
Then there is Kevin McManamon to consider off the bench, and Dean Rock is fit again.
“The philosophy we take is that the players who have the jersey it’s theirs to keep and also down to their high levels of performance and up to everyone else to catch up on them.”
In typical Gavin-speak, he immediately reversed the stated assumption the side that overran Derry in the league final on April 27th can be expected to reappear on Sunday.
Exceptions
“There are the normal kind of exceptions to that. If a player is performing well in training he will get his chance and it was the same with the Ballymun players last year and with the St Vincent’s players this year.
“Guys going well with their clubs will always be recognised by us and if they are playing well they get a slot.”
Gavin also attempted to deflect some of the weight of favouritism being heaped on Dublin by noting the performances of other rivals. Tyrone have come out and won, Donegal too.
He also noted the pitfalls experienced in his playing days when 1996 heaped misery on the previous year’s breakthrough.
“All the trophies have been handed back and they’re out there for everybody to win now. We need to earn the right to earn those trophies back as much as everybody else.
“So for us the biggest threat is Laois. That’s it, we’re in a competition, the provincial series we have ambitions to win and Laois are our challenge.
“There are no guarantees in life, no guarantees in sport and the bookies are the bookies and I don’t really pay much attention to that.”
