LAST OCTOBER’S ALL-Ireland final replay scoring hero Cormac Costello is the only definite absentee for Dublin’s quarter-final with Monaghan on Saturday.
But with manager Jim Gavin declaring everyone else available at a press conference this morning, it means three established players and All-Star winners will be back competing for selection.
Defender Johnny Cooper missed the Leinster final win over Kildare through injury while the experienced pair of Paul Flynn and Michael Darragh MacAuley did not feature at any stage during the provincial championship.
Costello has endured a difficult 2017 campaign with injuries hindering his aim to progress after shooting 0-3 off the bench in that success over Mayo last year.
“They’re all back, just Cormac Costello (is out),” remarked Gavin.
“Cormac is back on the pitch, he’s partaking in the training sessions again. It’s just a little bit too early for him.
“It’s disappointing for any player that picks up an injury you know. But he’s really worked so hard at it with the medical team. He puts all the hard work in, he’s been really diligent and hard at it.
“Now he’s back on the pitch, which is great for him and great for the team.
“He’s been very, very positive and I think that’s why he’s got back so quick. He’s shown great determination.”
Flynn and MacAuley have not featured since the league final loss to Kerry in April with Gavin insisting he will focus on current form rather than past records in selecting the team.
“It is always in the past what players have done. It’s over. All I’m interested in is what players are producing and how they’re performing in the present because that’s all we can judge.
“Nobody can dictate what way the game is going. You have to plan, both teams will have plans, but how players will perform, you just don’t know.
“So from a management perspective all you can go is present form. I think if you look back at previous form, it’s a dangerous game, we don’t entertain that.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
A tad disappointed to see Eddie take the Cuala job. It’s a bit of a handy number really. I can understand his frustrations in Laois but this feels like a cop out. What he wouldn’t bring to a Carlow, Westmeath, Meath etc. It also saddens me to think that Cuala have the big bucks to throw at the big names and Eddie has probably been tempted by the €s.
@Johnny B: Tempted by €s? Is that such a bad thing? If he had taken over a county team with a few bob there would be purists implying he’s a mercenary too. He’s endured a tough time coping with the structures in Laois. Can’t blame him for joining a well run club with good players where he will probably do more for his reputation that spinning his wheels at a Carlie, Westmeath, Meath etc.
@Johnny B: I’m sure there is a bigger picture to look at here. Surely just a stepping stone into the Dublin hurling manager.
@EnKy: I don’t blame him either. Think he’s a real genuine hurling man. It’s just his attributes would be a real asset to a developing county. But you’re probably right = straight into the Dubs from here.
Would like to have seen Eddie in the Clare job. See how far he could actually bring them.
@Billy: would you not give Lohan a chance and try get the players missing this year back into the squad?
Best of luck to them,John was a fablous hurler ,thats some managment set up for a Club.
@Gerry Campbell: What about Ballaghaderreen baby?