Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LIGHT THE BLUE TOUCH PAPER AGAIN
Dub development squad ready to throw up another Howard
JUST over a year ago, Brian Howard lined out for Dublin in a low-key O’byrne Cup opener and winced as unfancied Offaly fought back for a draw.
A few weeks after Diarmuid Connolly had tipped the 2017 U-21 star for big things in 2018, Howard was taken off in the midst of Offaly’s revival.
It was a difficult start to life in the big time but nine months later Howard held All-ireland, Leinster and National League medals.
Howard started 16 competitive games last year, the most of any Dublin player, and even won an All-star.
A year earlier, Niall Scully used the 2017 O’byrne Cup campaign as a similar springboard to success with the Sky Blues.
Scully started all five games that January as Jim Gavin handed the O’byrne Cup games over to development squad, ending the year as a starter in 16 of their 19 competitive games.
So while many consider the pre-season tournament a needless distraction, it’s been worth its weight in gold to the five-in-arow chasing Dubs.
Dublin defender Jonny Cooper says it’s vital they unearth more talent this month. He said: “It would be important yeah. I’d like to think it can (happen again) . The examples you’ve highlighted will be good for guys in that position now, to see that there is a path or a journey you can go on if you are willing to commit.”
The experienced Na Fianna man said he’s got a couple of players in mind in particular to make the breakthrough. Fivedublin’s time All-ireland winner Cooper said: “There’s a lot of talent and intent from players who want to do it, whether they can match that up on a consistent basis is probably the question from the opportunities they may get.”
Dublin’s greenhorns and rookie players won’t get a better chance to impress than in a showdown with Meath. The Royals are closer to full strength and are desperate for a win over the old enemy to boost morale.
They did beat Dublin in last month’s Sean Cox fundraiser but have lost all five of their competitive games since last overcoming their neighbours in the 2010 Championship.
Boss Andy Mcentee has described it as ‘ideal preparation’ for their National League opener against Tipperary on January 27.
Dublin will travel to Monaghan the same day and rookies realise a big performance tonight could secure them a place on the bus.