Preparing for Connolly return is the method to Gavin’s madness

IT WAS a perfect evening for Jim Gavin even before a ball was kicked. His decision to start Eric Lowndes in the halfforward line may have raised a few eyebrows but there was method to his madness.

As Dublin crank up for a real test against Tyrone at the end of the month, what he has done, in effect, is create a readymade place for Diarmuid Connolly to step back in the team after his 12week replacement, without putting another forward’s nose out of joint.

There was nothing that in the least surprising about this result, but it was the sustained high level of performance which served to convince that the champions hit the last four as still the team to beat.

That cocktail of quality and depth was stamped all over this. I still think that people don’t get how good Dean Rock is but the consistency of his place kicking is without equal and that gives Dublin a huge edge.

His striking was a joy to behold, but then they all were. James McCarthy (above) had a sensational first-half. His defensive instincts allied to his speed and ball playing skills will make for a serious headache for Tyrone and for whoever – most likely Kerry – they meet in the final.

And then, just to spook everyone else, there was the sight of Michael Darragh Macauley and Paul Flynn coming off the bench to remind us all that this is as close to a bottomless well of talent that we have seen.

As for Monaghan, they were simply outclassed on an evening that highlighted the huge chasm that exists between football’s big three and the rest.

And Gavin will have Connolly to call on next.