Darragh Ó Sé’s player-by-player guide to the Dublin team

1. Stephen Cluxton

Club: Parnells
Age: 39
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 12st 8lbs
Occupation: Teacher

One of the greatest players of all time. His appetite seems to be the same as ever. Everything flows from him. Hasn’t had many saves to make but his standards haven’t dropped one iota.

2. Mick Fitzsimons

Club: Cuala
Age: 31
Height: 6'
Weight: 13st
Occupation: Doctor

One of the best corner-backs in the game, has developed and improved all the way through his career. Aggressive in the tackle, he’s the stickiest marker Dublin have.

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3. David Byrne

Club: Naomh Olaf
Age: 26
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 13st 5lbs
Occupation: Management consultant

One of the few Dublin defenders that I think can be got at. Stylish on the ball and very good at joining attacks but not the most dependable shut-down marker. Mayo might test him.

4. Jonny Cooper

Club: Na Fianna
Age: 31
Height: 6'
Weight: 12st
Occupation: Student Recruitment

Every county would love a Jonny Cooper. Mad for battle, never gives an inch, plays on the edge at all times. Keeps on top of his teammates so that they have no option but to keep driving on.

5. Eoin Murchan

Club: Na Fianna
Age: 24
Height: 5'8
Weight: 11st 8lbs
Occupation: Student

Keeps overcoming expectations. To the eye, he’s one of the Dublin defenders you could maybe target but he hasn’t been found out yet. If the right possession comes in, the Mayo full-forward line will test him.

6. John Small

Club: Ballymun Kickhams
Age: 27
Height: 6'
Weight: 13st 10lbs
Occupation: Wealth manager

A different centre-back to the Cian O’Sullivan role of old. In there as a pure stopper. Hardy, raw and physical, he’s not afraid to go through fellas. Sacrifices his own game for the betterment of the team.

7. Robbie McDaid

Club: Ballyboden St Enda's
Age: 27
Height: 6'
Weight: 13st 1lb
Occupation: Teacher

Has come in to a dream scenario, joining an experienced team and given his head to play it as he sees it. Reminds me of Kyle Hayes bursting forward for the Limerick hurlers.

8. Brian Fenton

Club: Raheny
Age: 27
Height: 6'4"
Weight 14st2lbs
Occupation: Medical sales manager

The top midfielder in the country. Massively high skill level, unflappable attitude, incredible engine to get up and down the field. Scores more than his fair share as well.

9. James McCarthy

Club: Ballymun Kickhams
Age: 30
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 13st 3lbs
Occupation: Bank Official

Dublin’s Rolls-Royce. At this stage, he’s the outfield leader of the team. Every Dublin player looks up to him and depends on him. On the rare occasion they get in trouble, he’s the first to step up.

10. Niall Scully

Club: Templeogue Synge Street
Age: 26
Height: 6'
Weight: 12st 2lbs
Occupation: Sportswear development

Great worker, up and down the field. A great man to pop up on the end of a passing move to palm home a goal, which tells you a lot about the way he reads the game. Ruthless.

11. Ciarán Kilkenny

Club: Castleknock
Age: 27
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 13st 8lbs
Occupation: Teacher

The way he’s playing at the minute, he seems almost unmarkable. Pace, physicality and a high level of accuracy off both feet when he’s shooting. His decision-making is superb. Keeps getting better.

12. Seán Bugler

Club: St Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Rua
Age: 22
Height: 6'
Weight: 12st 7lbs
Occupation: Student

Has slotted in without breaking stride. Playing very well, albeit there hasn’t been a big test yet. Has forced the occasional shot through inexperience. Interesting to see how he handles Mayo’s higher tempo.

13. Paddy Small

Club: Ballymun Kickhams
Age: 22
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 12st 7lbs
Occupation: Student

A great tackler for an inside forward but his shooting has let him down at times. Has the look of a lad who isn’t sure of his place so he tries a bit too hard. Some achievement to keep Mannion and Costello off the team.

14. Con O’Callaghan

Club: Cuala
Age: 24
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 12st 12lbs
Occupation: Accountant

The best forward in the game by a good distance. No weakness in his game. Gets the most out of every attack - if there’s a goal on, Con will find it. Tackles like a demon, into the bargain.

15. Dean Rock

Club: Ballymun Kickhams
Age: 30
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 13st 5lbs
Occupation: Fundraising Manager, Stewarts Care

One of the Dublin players who has got the very best out of himself in his career. His free-taking is so dependable that it nearly doesn’t matter that a good tight marker can keep him quiet from play.

Likely subs: Evan Comerford (Ballymun Kickhams), Colm Basquel (Ballyboden St Enda's), Aaron Byrne (Na Fianna), Brian Howard (Raheny), Cormac Costello (Whitehall Colmcilles), Tom Lahiff (St Jude's), Eric Lowndes (St Peregrines), Paul Mannion (Kimacud Crokes), Philly McMahon (Ballymun Kickhams), Kevin McManamon (St Judes), Rory O'Carroll (Kilmacud Crokes)

Management: Dessie Farrell, Mick Galvin, Darren Daly, Shane O'Hanlon, Brian O'Regan