Jonny Cooper, Rory O’Carroll, Philly McMahon, James McCarthy, Cian O’Sullivan, Jack McCaffrey. It was rolling off the tongue at this stage.
Where Dublin’s attack – their 15-man attack – was taking all the plaudits since the turn of the decade, it was their watertight defence that really set them apart last year.
Along with Stephen Cluxton, Jim Gavin’s seven-strong rearguard possessed every talent in the GAA text book and more as they anchored the Dubs’ glorious ship ashore a third All-Ireland in five seasons.
But Rory O’Carroll has since up and left for New Zealand, leaving the champions without their All-Star full back for the coming season.
So, who will replace him? Ladbrokes are letting you bet on it.
It’s not like the county is short of talented footballers ready and willing to step in to the sky blue jersey but who will fill Rory O’Carroll’s shoes come the championship is the big question. Rather, who’ll fill the jersey he had stretched with that scary back of his.
The obvious choice might be for fellow full back line members, Philly McMahon or Jonny Cooper to step over to number three come their opening fixture of the Leinster senior football championship. And you can get the pair at 3/1 and 5/1 respectively.
But will they stay in the corners and have Michael Fitzsimons or David Byrne get the nod in the middle from the start? Will Cian O’Sullivan drop back even further? Will a midfielder come in to maintain their aerial dominance in the full back line?
Ladbrokes are offering 10 alternatives to Rory O’Carroll at number three come the championship. And, if you know your county football, you could make yourself a little profit to kickstart what is sure to be another long summer.
You might need it this time for trips to away games!
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