In Dublin’s win over Mayo, manager Dessie Farrell again took the opportunity to look at some new faces
The Dublin Senior Footballers gave Dessie Farrell his first League win in charge on Saturday night. A tough contest against reigning champions Mayo saw the Dubs prevail on the road to record a 1-11 to 0-08 win over the men from the west.
Before the league started, Farrell promised supporters he’d spend time during the campaign purveying some of the newer members of his panel. He believed from the start a combination of youth and experience was needed to help Dublin continue their trajectory.
Farrell handed Kilmacud Crokes Dan O’Brien his first start and the young Dubliner didn’t disappoint. O’Brien was lively throughout and didn’t let his manager down grabbing his first point as a senior. Dan was a Minor in 2016 and won All Ireland silverware as an U21 in 2017. Aaron Byrne, another of the class of 2017, was sprung off the bench for a second time. And like his first appearance against Kerry, he also found the target for a score.
Anther two former U21’s from Kilmacud Crokes were involved as Liam Flatman and Cillian O’Shea both made second half cameos. Flatman played a part in last year’s League win over Galway. Following that the young star suffered a hamstring injury ruling him out of the U20 Championship.
Youth and experience the league objective for Farrell
“That was one of the objectives from the League us,” Farrell explained to DUBSTV.
“There’s some experienced player that need game time, but there’s obviously an opportunity to blood some new talent. And we’re very happy with how that combination went for us tonight.”
Seven players who featured in the 2017 U21 All Ireland final played some part against Mayo on Saturday night. Evan Comerford, Eoin Murchan, Brian Howard, Dan O’Brien, Cillian O’Shea, Aaron Byrne and Paddy Small were all winners at the grade that year. Obviously Con O’Callaghan, who’s currently recovering from injury and Seán Bugler who saw no action were also part of that U21 panel.
Video: DUBSTV via Youtube