Why Con O’Callaghan’s return to Dublin will be a game changer

O'Callaghan is expected to be in the match day squad this weekend.

Con O'Callaghan has been sorely missed by Dublin in the National League campaign, and despite a late rally in the latter stages, they were doomed to relegation, into Division Two. O'Callaghan has missed all seven games for the Dubs, due to an injury that he picked up at the very beginning of the year and there had been rumours circulating that he would not be returning at all. The rumours were amplified when people started to suggest that he would be joining the Dublin hurling county panel instead, given that he is such an effective hurler at club level. This, mixed in with all of the negative press surrounding the team from the capital following their defeats to Armagh, Kildare, Kerry, Mayo, and Monaghan, only added fuel to the fire. However, Dessie Farrell has confirmed that the star forward would be making his return, and that he has been a part of the training camp in Portugal, in preparation for their championship opener against Wexford. With the five-time All-Ireland winner's inclusion, Dublin become a much more feared force, as the bombing full forward has been consistently brilliant over the past five years. In just 45 appearances for the Boys in Blue, the three-time All-Star has racked up a scoring total of 16-78. Not only that, but it's his ability in the crunch moments that make him so invaluable. All-Ireland semi-finals and finals; he has consistently popped up with the goal or score to get his team over the line. Just as Kerry would be a weakened force without David Clifford, Dublin can't reach the levels of old, without the Cuala clubman. Leinster football has undoubtedly been negatively affected by the Dubs' recent dominance, but for the first time in decades - with Kildare looking strong and Mickey Harte's Louth firing in all cylinders - there is genuine hope that someone else can win this provincial title. Dublin are of course still the favourites, and now that O'Callaghan is back in the fold, they will undoubtedly be contenders for the All-Ireland title once again as well.