Pictured is Dublin senior footballer, Cormac Costello, who has teamed up with Allianz today to look ahead to the upcoming Allianz Football League Division 1 Final this weekend. This year, during their 32nd year sponsoring the both the competition, Allianz has been campaigning for children and young people to #StopTheDrop and remain involved in sport when transitioning from primary to secondary school. For more information visit https://www.allianz.ie/stopthedrop
By Cian O’Connell
Demonstrating resilience has been central in Cormac Costello’s career.
Responding to setbacks and injuries, Costello remains a valuable figure in a Dublin panel busy preparing for Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division One Final against Derry at Croke Park.
The Whitehall Colmcilles clubman hopes to be available following a calf problem, and Costello acknowledges the importance of remaining positive. “I think resilience is a key trait,” Costello says.
“Until you are faced with adversity, that is where you really learn where you are at. Any sportsperson, there are very few that can say they had a smooth sailing career.
“You're going to have setbacks, you're going to have knocks, injuries, selection problems - whatever it is. It is about how you respond to that.
“Over the years I've had my fair share, it is about just backing yourself, sticking to the basics, I suppose. Believing in your own ability. Just driving on. That is something I've tried to do in the past.”
So, enjoying sport matters deeply. Undoubtedly the medals are cherished, but Costello cherishes the memories. “At the end of the day I'm lucky enough I've been involved in All-Ireland wins, and I've a few medals,” Costello replies.
“Although people say ‘what was it like after the final whistle?’- it is great, but it is all about the dressing room, the memories you create in training, the bonds you create with the players in the dressing room.
Cormac Costello in Allianz Football League action. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
“I think that is what all sportspeople will say, that is what they miss the most. I think the most enjoyable thing about playing football is that kind of camaraderie you get in the dressing room, the relationships you build with the guys in the team.”
Since first joining the Dublin senior team Costello acknowledges the relevance of adapting to different methods with an open mind. “I think it does change, the team changes, management changes, you always have different tweaks with players stepping away and different players coming on to the panel,” Costellor reflects.
“There is always new coaches or change in the backroom team, some little subtle changes. Those subtleties do add change. I know in terms of competition, they are more or less the same, but we all love playing competitive football.
“I think that freshness within the squad, bringing on those younger lads with energy, it does bring a different energy that drives the team.”
Ultimately, Costello accepts that it has been an encouraging league campaign for Dublin. Two early losses were endured, but since then Dublin have embarked on a five match winning run, while also affording emerging players significant opportunities. “I'd agree with that,” Costello says.
“It was a rough enough start, in the first game we were particularly poor, a bit of ring rust, whatever you want to put it down to. There has been some really good performances in the last couple of games. We are happy with how the league has gone so far.”
Dessie Farrell’s options for the championship are increasing too. “You can see the likes of Seán McMahon, Cian Murphy, Ross McGarry - guys who have been on the panel for a couple of years, they are really stepping up and they've had a great Allianz League campaign,” Costello adds.
“That just improves the squad as a whole, it drives competition, it creates that competitive environment you want going into the championship ahead.”