Cian O’Sullivan backs Pat Gilroy to do capital job for Dublin hurlers

After being transformed from a “startled earwig” to an All-Ireland winner under Pat Gilroy, Dublin defender Cian O’Sullivan has backed his old manager to revive the county’s hurling fortunes.

Increasing speculation since the departure of Ger Cunningham in July has seen former All-Ireland-winning football manager Gilroy linked to the vacant job.

O’Sullivan made his senior debut for Dublin’s footballers under Gilroy in the 2009 season, which culminated with a 17-point collapse against Kerry, after which Gilroy described his side as “startled earwigs”. But the same Dubs outfit avenged that defeat with an All-Ireland final victory two years later.