Brian Howard on why latest All-Ireland victory means more to Dubs

The last time Dessie Farrell's side clinched a championship win was during covid restrictions. 

JOB DONE: Dublin's Brian Howard celebrates winning after the final whistle. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

This means more. Of that, there is no doubt for Brian Howard. Because of James McCarthy. Because of Dessie Farrell. Because of the Dublin footballers’ loved ones. Because of those like Howard who until 2021 had never known what it was to lose an inter-county championship football game.

For four seasons, Howard had been undefeated and then Mayo’s Diarmuid O’Connor stuck out a foot to stop a ball going wide and put in motion a chain of events that would led to Dublin’s demise in that year’s All-Ireland semi-final.