Free-flowing Ward knows how to make an entrance

INTERCOUNTY debuts are typically more entrances with a whimper, than intrusions with a bang.

When it came to Cian Ward’s turn he opted to eschew convention and streaked across the football sky like a comet.

Two years ago he ambled onto Croke Park, thrust into the bearpit of a Dublin v Meath Leinster championship clash for his debut as a second-half substitute. The acclimatisation period was brief. Meath were awarded a ‘45 instantly and Ward gazed around wondering who would be entrusted with the kick. Peter Curran of Duleek had been on freetaking duties all day but Ward had replaced him, Brian Farrell was sitting in the stands suspended and Joe Sheridan was wrecked after a lung-bursting run. The onus was on the new guy.