DUBLIN v TIPPERARY:THE CONSTANT tinkering by Dublin manager Pat Gilroy seems a reaction to failed selections against Wexford and Meath. Considering the damage inflicted in those games, something horrific is potentially coming down the tracks. But not today. From the breakthrough year of 2002, only marquee forward Alan Brogan and All Star goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton remain.
Barry Cahill’s time in the half-back line is up. Conal Keaney is also gone. Bryan Cullen and Tomás Quinn were brought back to face Meath but could not supply the answers. Eamon Fennell has not trained all week so Michael Dara McAuley gets a chance in midfield with Ross McConnell. Darren Magee is nearing the fitness levels required to provide experience.
Ger Brennan moves over to centre back instead of Cullen but this was supposed to be where former U-21 captain Cian O’Sullivan provided the fulcrum of the new regime. They knew his hamstring was only healing against Wexford. It was tested. It gave way again. Gilroy is, presumably, reverting to the plan he trialled during the league, with David Henry returning, not as a roaming forward but at wing back, while Kevin McManamon is given another chance in a full forward line that sees Eoghan O’Gara make a first championship start.Kevin Nolan takes over from Cahill at wing back.
Tipp lost key players to America after defeat to Kerry. Laois racked up 11 second-half wides in the first round qualifier to allow Brian Mulvihill snatch victory in Thurles. This fixture is a just reward but their inability to entice players to stay home for the qualifiers makes it hard to take them seriously.
Dublin must outclass Tipperary to start a process of rehabilitation.
DUBLIN:S Cluxton; M Fitzsimons, Rory O'Carroll, P McMahon; K Nolan, G Brennan, D Henry (capt); MD McAuley, R McConnell; N Corkery, A Brogan, P Flynn; B Brogan, E O'Gara, K McManamon.
TIPPERARY:M O'Donnell; P Codd, R Costigan, A Morrissey; C McGrath, B Jones, B Fox; G Hannigan, K Mulryan; S Hahessy, H Coghlan, P Acheson; P Austin, B Grogan, C Sweeney.
Referee:P McEnaney (Monaghan).
In the last episode:Tipperary beat Dublin in the 1920 All-Ireland final by 1-6 to 1-2. The game was played in June 1922.
On your marks:A burst of early scores would settle Dublin. If Tipperary frustrate them, grumbling about Pat Gilroy's confusing selection policy will grow louder as the seconds tick by.
Gaining ground:There is a theory Dublin need a break from Croke Park to let this young group grow away from the glare of the main stage. But take Dublin out of HQ and the bottom line suffers.
Just the Ticket:A Dubs double header (the hurlers play Clare at 4pm) should attract a decent walk up crowd, with the usual ticket outlets visible around Croke Park.
Crystal gazing:Dublin will win but how they do so is unpredictable. A dominant showing from the Brogans makes them no different than the Bradleys' contribution in Derry. And that would indicate very little progress.
