HE HASN’T KICKED a ball for Dublin since last September’s All-Ireland decider but Dean Rock is on course to make his comeback from injury at club level in a fortnight’s time.
Last year’s All-Ireland club finalists Ballymun Kickhams are in action in the opening round of the Dublin SFC on May 14th against Naomh Olaf and Rock is targeting that game for his return.
The DCU student has been plagued with injuries since Ballymun Kickhams club campaign ground to a halt with last November’s county final replay loss to St Vincent’s and he has missed all of Dublin’s 2014 league winning campaign.
“Dean’s just back,” revealed Barney Rock, Dean’s father. He got a bad injury in the match that Ballymun Kickhams played against Vincent’s. He’d an operation there in December. but he’s been back training there for the last three weeks.
“He hopes to be playing for Ballymun at some stage in the next two weeks. That’ll give him a start. After that he’ll just have to see what happens when he’s back with Dublin. The rehabilitation has been taken on since April, he’s been doing that and taking his time.”
Rock made a major impact when sprung from the bench during Dublin’s march to claim Sam Maguire in 2013. He produced a 0-2 return when introduced against Meath in the Leinster final, against Cork in the All-Ireland quarter-final and against Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Winning Sam
The 24 year-old did not get on the scoresheet in the All-Ireland decider against Mayo but did again make an important contribution in Dublin’s attacking play. Being prevented at staking a claim for a starting place this spring has been a source of frustration.
“For him it is disappointing because he would have wanted to kick on,” admits Barney. “The opportunities have gone to other lads who have come in and taken them. But at least he has a chance to perform in the championship.
“When you look at Kevin O’Brien and Ciaran Kilkenny, they’re out for the year. So it’s tough from that point of view. Dean has a chance now to get back in to the panel.”