It’s all about control for Jim Gavin

Jim Gavin has a buzz word that crops up in much of his dealings with the media these days. Control.

It’s a simple enough concept and something the Dublin manager has clearly placed a premium on behind the scenes as the All-Ireland holders seek to be ready for whatever is thrown at them this summer.

Dublin lost their control in the 2014 All-Ireland semi-final against Donegal but have worked hard since then to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. So far, it hasn’t. What it means to Gavin specifically is being calm and composed and patient in the face of challenges like the one presented by Meath, where they set up with men behind the ball and made some hay for 35 minutes or so.