Dolan knows the score as he prepares to fight ‘second season syndrome’
O'Flynn, who joined Cork for a second time two months ago after a season with Limerick, was playing in a pre-season training match against Galway United when he tumbled under a challenge. Dolan realised the extent of the injury instantly.
"It was an innocuous challenge," said Dolan, "but I heard the crack. I knew it was broken, the question was had he broken both fib and tib. I had suffered that injury and it was a horrible injury.
"Thankfully it was a clean break to the fibula and there is no displacement. But I was so disappointed for him and I knew I would be the one who would have to approach his father and tell him of the injury."
O'Flynn, aged 21 and a native of Mallow, spent three seasons in England with Wimbledon before returning to Cork two years ago. A spell with Limerick followed, but it was obvious to Dolan that the youngster yearned to return to his native county.
"In the six weeks he spent with us during our pre-season preparations I came to realise how determined Stephen was to play for Cork.
"He had been disappointed with the year he spent with Cork after returning from Wimbledon but after doing well with Limerick he wanted to have another go.
"As his manager I knew he was going to do well for us," he added. "He is so honest, he's got such enthusiasm for the game, and I think that comes from his Dad.
"I had visited his family home several times before I signed him and I had got to know his family. I'm a football manager and your job is to get results, but it is nice if you meet nice people along the way.
"I found myself emotional about Stephen's injury because you hate to see any of your players injured. But I had built up a relationship with Stephen and Joe, his Dad, and I didn't relish the thought of having to contact Joe and tell him the sad news.
"I'm very, very disappointed about it because he was doing so well for us. But he is getting the very best of attention now and because he is young and so enthusiastic, I know he will make a full recovery and will be back playing football before too long."
O'Flynn was at Turner's Cross on Friday to watch Cork enjoy a winning start to the season with a 3-1 win over Dublin City. He must have been impressed with the attacking potential Cork showed at times with John O'Flynn, George O'Callaghan and Neale Fenn all on the scoring sheet.
But it was an un-even performance from City who played into the Dublin club's hands by too often playing a long-ball game.
City will have to play better than they did last Friday if they are to challenge for the major trophies. Dolan agrees.
"What we've got to fight is the second season syndrome," said Dolan. "Last season was a big impact season with a new management team coming in but we always figured Shels posed a problem; being honest they were probably a little bit ahead of us.
"So our position in the League was encouraging. But now, I suppose, it is similar to Tommy Lyons winning the Leinster Championship but not the All-Ireland in his first season. Then it all went pear-shaped second season syndrome and we've got to fight against that.
"But I am confident we've worked really hard, we've had a very productive close season and I feel very comfortable as manager now."
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
