Dubs’ drive is embodied by Bastick

THE retirement of Denis Bastick this week shone another favourable light on Dublin’s golden era.

Too often Dublin’s resources, natural and financial, are cited when seeking to explain their status as great champions, but Bastick serves as a reminder that ultimately they are a group who have delivered on every ounce of their potential.

He was not a natural footballing talent, did not make his Championship debut until he was 28 and yet ended up winning five All-Ireland medals while in his 30s.

That is astonishing and every time you played against him, you were never left in any doubt about the desire that drove him.

Strong and powerful, he always put his body on the line to make the hard yards for a team-mate’s glory run.

He served the champions well and deserved all that came his way.