Dublin’s undefeated streak in the 2023 championship was marked by a single event last year around this time, when they had a standoff match with Roscommon. Post-match discussions were dominated by Roscommon’s strategy, particularly their notable tactic of using goalkeeper Conor Carroll as an additional player during the possession phase. An intriguing sequence of action was when they maintained possession for a span of roughly six minutes, with the match reaching a stalemate after Roscommon scored two late points.
Despite our initial disappointment in not securing a win, we recognised the valuable insights that this encounter provided. We anticipated that other teams would potentially try to replicate Roscommon’s effective method of involving their goalkeeper as an extra player, which prompted post-match strategic discussions on how to counter this maneuver and the potential gains of employing a more aggressive approach.
The game was challenged by high temperatures at Croke Park and chasing for the possession in such scorching conditions can pose an exorbitant energy drain when your opponent keeps the ball. Upon reviewing the match, it became evident that our players were frequently isolated, trying to retrieve the ball, instead of implementing a unified, systematic press.
It was subsequent to earnest reflection that we were able to pinpoint and rectify this weakness. Since then, Dublin seems to have improved their handling of the opposition’s goalkeeper coming out into the field with the ball and they are well versed in discerning when to press for turnovers. The extreme summer heat did have a significant impact on last year’s game, leading to instances where players appreciated any opportunity to rest when Carroll handled the ball. It was often observed that Roscommon were least hassled and could manage the ball leisurely.
Davy Burke would justifiably feel that Roscommon’s strategy paid off last year and notwithstanding my anticipation that they will attempt a comparable strategy this forthcoming Saturday, I am sceptical they would relive the previous success. I recollect watching the majority of last year’s match from the stand, entering the field only in the last 10 minutes. This was a common trend throughout the last season as the managers envisaged my role as a substitute, brought in to ensure a favourable end game.
“I had initiated five games in the National League, however, it was only during the championship game in 2023, where we had a round-robin victory over Kildare, that I was among the initial 15 players. Such substantial shifts in your career spark a variety of feelings, simply because every player or manager, regardless of their claims, long to take the lead from the start.
Coming on the field later in games and achieving crucial, match-altering point does have its advantages. Nevertheless, the sheer desire players have to be on the field from the onset, dedicating numerous hours of their lives for this purpose – hence justifying all their sacrifice – can’t be overlooked.
I’ve always been inquisitive throughout my career, seeking ways to better myself or secure my place in the team, no matter who the coach was – be it Jim Gavin or Dessie Farrell. I’ve had plenty of discussions with Dessie last year about this, and it was ultimately decided by management that my role would be best utilised coming off the bench to conclude games.
Admittedly, such decisions aren’t immediately embraced as you are instinctively driven to play from the starting whistle. Yet, understanding that the larger objective encompasses the team’s success, last year’s key focus was ensuring yet another All-Ireland win for Dublin.
Working alongside the younger crop of players, helping them comprehend performance requirements on the pitch and acquire experience to excel has been an invigorating experience. Being on the field for longer periods was always a prime desire, but it was intriguing to find satisfaction in different aspects of the game.
The momentary challenges can be daunting, prompting a whirlwind of thoughts and doubts, but that is when resilience and determination intervene. At first, stepping off the bench, my impact on the game was underwhelming, perhaps due to a simmering resentment and conceit. However, upon acceptance of my role and its responsibilities, I found myself making a notably larger impact.
It was during the concluding stages of the championship that I took comfort in management’s trust in me. They valued my experience enough to send me out and help seal the victories. I managed to make a significant contribution to the All-Ireland quarter-final, semi-final and final by scoring, and eventually led Dublin to end the season as All-Ireland champions. All the hard work paid off in the end.”
Maintaining team morale, motivation, and a positive attitude is a perpetual hurdle faced by management, which can be exacerbated when dealing with footballers who are already highly laureated. I believe Dessie has identified the 15 initial players for games alongside those he plans to bring in.
At present, Dublin seems to be in a favourable position, particularly with the return of Jack McCaffrey and Lee Gannon from injury. Additionally, Dublin has managed to provide playing time to James McCarthy, Michael Fitzsimons and Stephen Cluxton during the Leinster SFC.
Post the Leinster finals, Dublin had a camp in Portugal and we have seen a notable intensification in their training in the past few weeks. The defence conceding two goals against Louth may have vexed them as their pride lays in maintaining clean sheets. Consequently, achieving a clean sheet against Roscommon in their first round-robin series is likely one of Dublin’s objectives.
The team has an ample supply of motivational elements this year – the demise of Shane O’Hanlon, a vital part of the group, serves as a consistent reminder in the dressing room of the honour of representing Dublin. Moreover, I believe there’s a genuine urge within the team to achieve consecutive titles. This may seem strange considering Dublin’s successes of late, yet retaining the Sam has not always been unproblematic for them.
After their victorious endeavour in 2011, Dublin failed to keep the title in 2012. Similarly, after winning in 2013, they couldn’t manage to hold onto it in 2014. Dessie’s first year as in-charge in 2020 also mirrored the same pattern. Hence, I think they are determined to pursue back-to-back titles.
There are several players who might be in their last year with the team. So, motivation isn’t expected to be an issue for Dublin as they usher in the crucial part of the season, beginning with Roscommon this weekend.