DIARMUID CONNOLLY has faith in Dublin’s new leaders, even though they lost so many stars.
The Sky Blues are without SIX of their icons for the 2025 campaign as former captain James McCarthy, Brian Fenton, Michael Fitzsimons, John Small, Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion have all left the fold.
Diarmuid Connolly, Aaron Kernan and Eoin Cadogan are Gaelic Games ambassadors for BoyleSports. Get paid out early with BoyleSports if your team goes 7 points ahead, even if they draw or lose[/caption]
Fenton’s departure was the biggest shock when he decided to wave the Dubs goodbye at 31.
But Peadar Ó Cofaigh-Byrne has seized the day in the middle, while Cormac Costello has become a go-to man for scores in the firing line.
Killian McGinnis, Ross McGarry, Seán Bugler and Luke Breathnach have all impressed in their upwardly mobile NFL Division 1 campaign so far — and they can book a league final spot if they beat Tyrone in Omagh on Sunday.
Connolly won seven All-Irelands but departed after completing the Drive for Five in 2019.
And the St Vincent’s man is content with Dessie Farrell’s fresh faces despite so many high-profile exits.
The BoyleSports GAA ambassador said: “There’s been a few stellar performances over the league for Dublin. I spoke about this guy highly last year, Killian McGinnis.
“I think he’s very versatile. He can play inside, he can play at 11.
“He can play on the wing or he can play around the middle.
“He’s a lovely rangy passer of the ball and he’s got the athleticism to get up and down.
“So I think he could have a huge say for Dublin and he’s becoming a leader on that team.
“I really liked the way Cormac Costello played against Galway on Saturday night.
“I thought he was electric in the first 25, 30 minutes. Can he get a clean bill of health this year?
“If he does, he’s going to be a huge leader for this Dublin side.
“Seán Bugler has had four man-of-the-match performances in a row, he’s becoming the leader on the team.
“Ciarán Kilkenny didn’t play on Saturday night but again, he’s another leader in that forward line of the team.
“They’re emerging slowly, but they are emerging. We will have new leaders in this Dublin side.”
CLUX IN GEAR
And one stalwart remains. Stephen Cluxton, 43, made his first appearance of the year in Saturday night’s win over Galway at Croke Park.
The Parnells man made his SFC debut for the Sky Blues all the way back in 2002 and Connolly says his presence in the dressing room alone is vital.
Cluxton returned to win his ninth All-Ireland medal in 2023 after a two-year hiatus, and is battling for the No 1 jersey along with Evan Comerford and David O’Hanlon.
And Connolly knows Cluxton’s influence will be huge no matter who gets the nod come the Championship.
He said: “Of course it’s difficult, the goalkeeper spot in GAA or in any sport is a very niche position as is — there’s only ever one guy.
“Like Stephen has been there for what, the bones of 30 years with this Dublin team?
“Do I see him starting every game now for Dublin? No.
“But do I see him giving huge impetus to the guys that are in there learning their trade? Yes.
“Would I have Stephen around the dressing room for as long as he possibly wanted to be there? Yes.
“Because I know the guy himself, he’s never going to take anything away, if anything he’ll be adding stuff all the time.
“And for the likes of Evan Comerford and the new goalkeepers in there, that’s a wealth of knowledge to be able to lean on.
“But I also think Stephen will have a say this summer.
“I think some of the teams, the likes of Galway with the big men around the middle of the field, we’re not going to be able to compete as well there.
“So we’re going to need a guy that can throw a dart out 40 yards and get us playing with an attack.
“But again, also tactically, I think Dublin, they’re not on par with the likes of Kerry, they’re not on par with the likes of Donegal at the moment and that’s where, if they can be shut down off kickouts, they will struggle.
“I’m speculating obviously, I don’t know what’s going to happen come summer.
“I don’t know what the thought process is in the camp with Dublin but Stephen’s value is untold.”
