AT THE END of January, Con O’Callaghan was sprung from the bench for a late cameo in Dublin’s league game against Kerry.
That night in Croke Park marked his first steps into senior football waters, and while he was not involved again as Jim Gavin’s side marched imperiously to another spring triumph, he’s been wreaking havoc elsewhere on the football fields.
Con O'Callaghan received the EirGrid GAA U21 player of the month for March yesterday. Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE
A patella tendon tear left the 20 year-old sidelined for a large chunk of 2015 but he made amends over the past couple of months in his first campaign at U21 level.
Taking the Meath, Laois, Kildare and Mayo defences for a combined haul of 3-24 signalled the attacking capabilities of the Cuala club man.
March 2nd – 1-7 (0-3f) v Meath
Con O'Callaghan got his U21 campaign off to a flying start for Dublin against Meath Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
March 19th – 0-5 (0-3f) v Laois
Con O'Callaghan caused huge problems for Laois in the Leinster semi-final Gary Carr / INPHO
Gary Carr / INPHO / INPHO
April 2nd – 1-7 (0-5f) v Kildare
Con O'Callaghan won a Leinster U21 medal with Dublin's success over Kildare Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO
Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO
April 16th – 1-5 (0-3f) v Mayo
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Con O'Callaghan nets for Dublin against Mayo in the All-Ireland semi-final Donall Farmer / INPHO
Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO
O’Callaghan’s sensational form explains why he is the next forward to roll off the conveyor belt into the senior squad.
But for now there is still a sense of disappointment that his U21 campaign did not end in glory after last month’s semi-final loss to Mayo.
“At the start of the year we were an ambitious group and we knew we had a lot of potential.
“We probably weren’t recognised to be hot favourites as Dublin teams were before, but we planned that we wanted to (go) all the way.
“I watched the (Mayo) match a few nights ago, looking back when we are four points ahead with a few minutes left, it is hard to watch that and know the outcome.
“You think we are in control and are ahead but it’s tough. There are regrets there we could have won it and they went on to win it with a great performance.”
He’ll train his sight on senior challenges now. The queue for places in the Dublin forward line is heavily populated with plenty players jostling for position.
“I’m looking to try and push my way into the panel and put myself in some sort of contention,” admits O’Callaghan.
“It’s a challenge. They are the top footballers in the game at the moment and if I can challenge them in any way, it’s a good experience.
“They are strong lads, 25 or 26 and in the peak of their condition. I try and stay on top of my gym but it is a step up and you have to adapt to it and see how you get on.”
His focus is firmly on football though despite dabbling in hurling. O’Callaghan caught the eye for the Dublin minor hurlers and started for his club Cuala in last November’s AIB Leinster senior club hurling final.
His older brother Cian is establishing himself in the Dublin senior hurling rearguard but Con is following the football path.
Dublin hurler Cian O'Callaghan James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
“He (Cian) started and played the whole championship last year. It’s encouraging that the young lads are breaking through and making an impact.
“He’d be helpful enough with me, giving advice here and there. Cuala would be more hurling. I played all the way up to minor, Gaelic and hurling.
“Cian used to play football; he moved to hurling. I moved naturally to football. I always felt I was a better footballer.”
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After shooting 3-24 at U21 football level, Dublin senior breakthrough is the next goal
AT THE END of January, Con O’Callaghan was sprung from the bench for a late cameo in Dublin’s league game against Kerry.
That night in Croke Park marked his first steps into senior football waters, and while he was not involved again as Jim Gavin’s side marched imperiously to another spring triumph, he’s been wreaking havoc elsewhere on the football fields.
A patella tendon tear left the 20 year-old sidelined for a large chunk of 2015 but he made amends over the past couple of months in his first campaign at U21 level.
Taking the Meath, Laois, Kildare and Mayo defences for a combined haul of 3-24 signalled the attacking capabilities of the Cuala club man.
March 2nd – 1-7 (0-3f) v Meath
March 19th – 0-5 (0-3f) v Laois
April 2nd – 1-7 (0-5f) v Kildare
April 16th – 1-5 (0-3f) v Mayo
O’Callaghan’s sensational form explains why he is the next forward to roll off the conveyor belt into the senior squad.
But for now there is still a sense of disappointment that his U21 campaign did not end in glory after last month’s semi-final loss to Mayo.
“At the start of the year we were an ambitious group and we knew we had a lot of potential.
“We probably weren’t recognised to be hot favourites as Dublin teams were before, but we planned that we wanted to (go) all the way.
“I watched the (Mayo) match a few nights ago, looking back when we are four points ahead with a few minutes left, it is hard to watch that and know the outcome.
“You think we are in control and are ahead but it’s tough. There are regrets there we could have won it and they went on to win it with a great performance.”
He’ll train his sight on senior challenges now. The queue for places in the Dublin forward line is heavily populated with plenty players jostling for position.
“I’m looking to try and push my way into the panel and put myself in some sort of contention,” admits O’Callaghan.
“It’s a challenge. They are the top footballers in the game at the moment and if I can challenge them in any way, it’s a good experience.
“They are strong lads, 25 or 26 and in the peak of their condition. I try and stay on top of my gym but it is a step up and you have to adapt to it and see how you get on.”
His focus is firmly on football though despite dabbling in hurling. O’Callaghan caught the eye for the Dublin minor hurlers and started for his club Cuala in last November’s AIB Leinster senior club hurling final.
His older brother Cian is establishing himself in the Dublin senior hurling rearguard but Con is following the football path.
“He (Cian) started and played the whole championship last year. It’s encouraging that the young lads are breaking through and making an impact.
“He’d be helpful enough with me, giving advice here and there. Cuala would be more hurling. I played all the way up to minor, Gaelic and hurling.
“Cian used to play football; he moved to hurling. I moved naturally to football. I always felt I was a better footballer.”
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Con O’Callaghan EirGirdU21 Rising Star Dublin