Dillon finally wins fitness race

It’s with no shortage of relief or sense of clarity that Alan Dillon can now speak of his fitness.

Last year, it was as touchy a subject as it was touch and go. Struggling with osteitis and a rectus abdominis tear, he was constantly playing catch-up — only “managing”, as he puts it — and no amount of rehab could fix him.

Corrective surgery performed by Meath great Gerry McEntee last November meant a six month lay-off, missing the entirety of the National League, although he came on as a substitute in New York on the May Bank Holiday Sunday feeling better than he has done for quite some time.