Inspired by a Meath legend, Eric Lowndes is very much committed to the Dubs

It was the cheer that gave birth to a torrent of sneers.

Dublin were home and hosed against Tyrone in last year’s All-Ireland semi-final when Eric Lowndes was ordered to take to the field. A fringe player since 2013, his imminent arrival was met with acclaim by Hill 16 who had mistaken him for Diarmuid Connolly.

The latter’s absence from the scene for the majority of the summer, after his contretemps with a linesman in Portlaoise, had made him a cause celebre for the county’s fans so this case of mistaken identity was seized on with some delight by others.