John Fogarty: Return of dynamic duo rejuvenates Dublin

Whatever differences the pair had with the inter-county scene or personnel involved in it, they have been resolved and it is believed their decisions were made in concert

COMEBACK TRAIL: The return of Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion is a huge boost for Dublin football. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Tue, 20 Sep, 2022 - 07:45

John Fogarty

John Fogarty is the Irish Examiner’s GAA correspondent, with unique insights into the action on the pitch and in the Gaelic games’ corridors of power.

Patrick Nice struck again on Sunday. Just over three years since Jim Gavin nonchalantly added — like The Fast Show “which was nice” character — that Diarmuid Connolly was back in the fold, his successor Dessie Farrell was mentioning as a by the by that Paul Mannion and Jack McCaffrey would be available to Dublin in 2023.

Of course, announcing that two stunning footballers, who have missed the last two seasons and McCaffrey one extra, was more than an afterthought. Just as he accompanied Gavin when he made that announcement, media manager Seamus McCormack was with Farrell in Parnell Park as he delivered news that will make Blues supporters’ hearts sing.