Allianz Football League Division One, round one
Dublin 1-17 Mayo 1-15
FRANK Irwin, Paul Towey, Fergal Boland, Davitt Neary and Conor Reid were among the names on the scoresheet for Mayo in a first half that signalled the beginning of a new era in more ways than one.
With Aidan O’Shea yet to come back into the fold, Cillian O’Connor opting out, Eoghan McLaughlin and Tommy Conroy not in the squad and the likes of Paddy Durcan yet to return from injury, there were new faces aplenty.
Dublin goalkeeper Gavin Sheridan was one of five full debutants for Dessie Farrell’s charges, with much made of the fact they were carrying 16 players without a senior appearance prior to Saturday night’s lights at HQ.
And that goalkeeping position is potentially a problem one.
Greg McEneaney’s 53rd-minute score showed great ingenuity from the number one, carrying his run on to the full-forward line to leave the space, while he had efforts at two-pointers himself, showing bravery on a few occasions mixed with some early-season rust.
Stephen Coen’s missed goal chance in the 37th minute was a less assuring moment from Sheridan, luckily enough from a Dub perspective falling to a man not renowned for his goalscoring ability.
David O’Hanlon had some seriously impressive performances in 2023, before being usurped by Stephen Cluxton, who made a shock return for the Leinster Championship meeting with Louth that summer.
O’Hanlon has opted out for this campaign, while Evan Comerford would likely have expected to be number one in the absence of both O’Hanlon and Cluxton. Whether there was an injury yesterday or why he was dropped to the bench is anyone’s guess.
Cluxton looks set to return, with eight-time All-Ireland winner Davy Byrne also back in the mix. Eoghan O’Donnell lined out at full-forward having been full-back for the hurlers, and was busy despite coming away without a score.
How James Madden adapts and how important he will be for Dublin in 2025 will be fascinating, back after six seasons with the Brisbane Lions in the AFL.
His athleticism could be key in that middle sector, with the three up putting added onus on that midfield area, though Wicklow boss Oisín McConville stated earlier this week that players’ GPS stats are little different to what they were in 2024.
For Mayo, it seems much of what they do will rely on Ryan O’Donoghue once more as they try and unearth a little more in the forward line. Kevin McStay will be relieved O’Donoghue’s Sigerson Cup commitments with University of Galway have concluded.
Dublin travel to Donegal next weekend, while Mayo host rivals Galway.
