Imports Rushe and Ryan to lead Na Fianna cause in absence of skipper Burke 

In late 2020, two-time All-Star Liam Rushe was a St Pat's, Palmerstown player at that stage, while Brian Ryan was part of the 36-man Limerick squad that would go on to win the All-Ireland.

MAKING WAVES: Liam Rushe of Na Fianna celebrates. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

This time three years ago, Na Fianna were fresh off another near miss in the Dublin SHC, a semi-final defeat to Ballyboden St Enda's, but took crumbs of comfort from the rare talent they possessed in Donal Burke.

If they were to finally land that maiden county title, the 21-year-old - who struck 12 points for Dublin in a cracking Leinster championship game against Kilkenny just a few weeks later - would surely be the player to provide the inspiration.