Former Dublin footballer Senan Connell pictured at the launch of eir's Allianz League coverage.
By Cian O'Connell
Throughout Jim Gavin's tenure as Dublin manager emerging talent has been constantly integrated into the team with Senan Connell acknowledging the importance of that approach.
Speaking at the launch of eir's Allianz League coverage Connell stressed the value of bringing through new players into the Dublin set-up.
“Keep evolving," Connell says. "If you don’t get on the train, you’re stuck on the platform - that’s Jim’s motto.
"A lot of other counties - if they won in 2011 or 2013, they’d still have Paddy Andrews, (Bernard) Brogan, (Kevin) McManamon, (Eoghan) O’Gara still playing - the four of them didn’t see much game time last year.
"I know Brogan was injured, but at the end of the All-Ireland, they rocked onto the pitch, you could see the disappointment in them - they’d been winning All-Irelands and it’s a very difficult thing to do to go back to being a sub. I think every other county would have had those lads starting, based on their history.
"It’s interesting that Diarmuid Connolly referenced (Brian) Howard the year before and he ends up taking the jersey and being an All-Star. That’s testament to Jim.
Eoin Murchan and Brian Howard celebrate following the 2018 All Ireland SFC Final.
"The other testament is to the coaches up along, it just seems so seamless, it goes back to them coaches, they’ve a clear set of instructions and then lads just fit in, like Murch (Eoin Murchan) did when he got his chance."
Murchan enjoyed a hugely productive campaign culminating in All Ireland glory. "You look at Eoin Murchan last year - Murch came from nowhere - he’s from my club, I’d have known he’s good, he won an under-21 All-Ireland with Dessie Farrell but to come in during the Super 8s and to hold your place all the way through that was phenomenal, nobody saw that coming," Connell reflects. "He marked Ryan McHugh in one of those games and that’s it, keep your position."
Who will be next to flare to prominence in the sky blue jersey? "I think if they need a player this year, cover has to be in the full back line," Connell replies.
"Half back and midfield, I think we’re alright. "I think they need a player there more than anybody else. Seanie McMahon - the other night, he played at number three, he’s from Raheny, he’s a good player. I like the look of him there as well, he sticks ball under his arm and runs.
"Philly McMahon obviously coming to the twilight of his career, Jonny (Cooper) will obviously stay there, Davy Byrne has been in and out for a few years, he was the one a few years ago. So cover there is the one I think they might need in terms of longevity and trying to stay on top.
"Just say if Jonny Cooper gets injured during the season, there’s an opening there, and you don’t just throw a lad in full back, I think they’re made, it’s in their DNA to play there. It’s a certain type of player that wants to stop somebody else."
