Do Dublin have the strength in depth to go again?

It should be said, whatever about their on-field performance the off-field contribution of their elder statesman is immeasurable.

STRENGTH IN DEPTH:  Dublin players, from left, James McCarthy, Michael Fitzsimons and Dean Rock walk out to the middle of the pitch following the celebrations after their victory in the All-Ireland SFC Final. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Some things never change. An emotional outpouring followed Dublin’s All-Ireland triumph and the champions let loose for days on end. Dancing, chanting, celebrating. Everything and anything except stepping into the limelight.

The team comes first. It is all about the team. Players are extremely reluctant to take any praise and immediately deflect to their peers. The root of this discomfort stretches beyond the association and deep into the Irish psyche. It is a hesitancy embedded by grudging gossip and small-minded judgement: ‘Who does he think he is anyway?’