ALL-IRELAND SFC SEMI-FINAL

years previously. Casey, who was still on the panel then, feels that quarter-final wins over Tyrone in 2010 and 2011 laid the foundations for Dublin’s turnaround.

“Those experiences stood to us,” he said. “Beating Tyrone on the way to winning the All-ireland in 2011, that was a huge game to win mentally.”

He now marvels at the fact that if Dublin win tomorrow they will be playing for their fifth All-ireland title in seven years.

A good number who soldiered with Casey in 2011 remain integral to the cause – Stephen Cluxton, Michael Fitzsimons, Philly Mcmahon, Cian O’sullivan, James Mccarthy, Denis Bastick, Michael Darragh Macauley, Paul Flynn, Bernard Brogan, Kevin Mcmanamon, Eoghan O’gara.

And Connolly, back available after a 12-week suspension.

“Diarmuid’s capable of coming straight back in because he keeps himself in superb condition,” said Casey. “But I think they’ll hold him in reserve – it would be a huge boost to the team and the supporters to be able to bring in the best footballer in the country to see them home.

“Some of the lads mightn’t be playing as much football as they did back then but to have those fellas around and to come in is a huge thing.”

Casey is blown away by what he sees in the Dublin set-up these days.

“You would’ve looked back at Tyrone and Kerry and been envious of them winning two or three All-irelands. But this Dublin panel are so far ahead of the teams I played on, the calibre of football they’re playing is breathtaking.

“They’re all still very grounded. Every Leinster Championship, League title and All-ireland still means so much to them and to be in the running for three in a row is a phenomenal achievement.

“To do it would really reflect what a superb team they are.

“They’ll be fully focused but know they’ve a huge hurdle to overcome and won’t focus on the All-ireland until they’re over that.

“It’s going to be Dublin’s biggest challenge of the year. Tyrone have been impressive so far and are putting up high scores. They’ll relish it and it’s going to be a titanic battle.

“But these guys now have experience of winning regularly and they’ll look forward to this. It will be like a game of chess in the first half but hopefully Dublin will prevail.”

Sean Cavanagh struck a goal against Dubs in 2008 while Ryan Mcmenamin (inset) was key in Tyrone defence WE’VE been waiting for this one all year. A look at the Championship draw in January suggested a clash between the three-in-a-row chasing Dubs and...