Jonny Cooper: Diarmuid Connolly remains ‘focused’

Dublin defender Jonny Cooper says he has noticed ‘intent’ and a strong ‘focus’ from suspended colleague Diarmuid Connolly to return to action later this summer.

All-Star forward Connolly is a month into a 12-week ban for laying his hand on linesman Ciaran Branagan during the back to back All-Ireland champions’ Leinster quarter-final win over Carlow.

It had been a grey area whether the ban extended to training with Dublin, and Ciaran Kilkenny, another Dublin forward, declined to comment when asked last week if Connolly was still part of the group.