5 PRODIGAL SONS TO WATCH IN 2018

DANNY SUTCLIFFE (Dublin)

The 25-year-old has not togged for Dublin in a competitive fixture since the 2015 All-Ireland SHC quarter-final defeat to Waterford. That said, he did see inter-county Championship action this summer with the New York footballers, but the return of the 2013 Leinster winner and All-Star will provide Pat Gilroy’s Dublin with a touch of class which has been sadly missing.

ODHRÁN MAC NIALLAIS (Donegal)

Like Sutcliffe, Mac Niallais brings class that could not be replicated in his absence as manager Rory Gallagher found out this year. He brings a different dimension to Donegal and is a technically gifted footballer blessed with sublime kicking skills.

CATHAL CREGG (Roscommon)

His return to the Roscommon attack could prove transformative, given his speed and composure on the ball. And others, most notably, emerging star forward Brian Stack should thrive in Cregg’s presence, given the latter’s ability to carve openings and set up attacks when he’s not finishing them himself.

PETER KELLY (Dublin)

His omission last winter from the Dublin panel baffled many, given his proven track record as one of hurling’s top defenders. True, he has not hit the heights of his 2013 All-Star winning season with injuries — including a dislocated knee in 2015 — thieving some of the sharpness from his game, but at 28 he has plenty left to give.

EOIN CADOGAN (Cork)

One of new manager John Meyler’s first major calls has been to recall the Cork dual veteran to his panel. It was unexpected as the 31-yearold spent the last few seasons with the footballers and was last seen hurling from the bench in the 2014 Munster semi-final. But, if it works out, he will give Cork’s defence a much-needed physical presence.