Cats can absorb body blows

Mickey Harte found it out in 2006. Jack O’Connor discovered it in 2010.

Conor Counihan realised it last summer. Each time an All-Ireland-winning football manager saw their attempts to retain the title severely hampered by the loss of key players through injury or suspension.

Strength in depth is crucial for all inter-county squads, yet once the summer showdowns in Croke Park arrive, that inevitable draining of first-team regulars often become sunsustainable.