Dublin's difficult start to the 2024 GAA National Football League continued yesterday, with Dessie Farrell's side falling to a second consecutive defeat after a one-point loss to Mayo at MacHale Park.
The reigning All-Ireland champions led for the vast majority of the content in Castlebar and looked likely to win relatively comfortably at one stage in the second half. However, a fortunate Mayo goal got the hosts back into the game, before a last gasp Fergal Boland point secured the victory for the home side.
Fergal Boland finishes off a clever short free in the fourth minute of injury-time to secure a 1-12 to 0-14 win for Mayo over Dublin
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This result means Mayo continue their 100 per cent record in the league, while Dublin remain pointless after the opening two rounds of fixtures.
READ HERE: Lee Keegan Praises O'Donoghue's 'Bravery' In Setting Up 'Cheeky' Mayo Winner
GAA: Joe Brolly hammers Dublin handling of Con O'Callaghan
Dublin will certainly not be panicking after their slow start to the league, although it will be interesting to see how they respond to this recent setback. Coming off the back of an All-Ireland win last year, they will no doubt be aiming to peak just in time for championship.
In saying that, some are concerned with their style of play so far this season. They certainly seem to have returned to the deliberate and conservative style that failed to yield results in the couple of seasons prior to 2023.
Writing in his column in the Irish Independent, Joe Brolly highlighted their use of Con O'Callaghan as a particularly disappointing aspect of their play under Dessie Farrell.
Pat Gilroy’s arrival as water boy mid-season last year transformed them. Since his departure, they have gone back to the dull, formulaic, risk-free stuff that had become their hallmark since Dessie Farrell’s arrival...
In O’Callaghan’s breakthrough year (2017) his introductory acts in Croke Park were two brilliant solo goals in the All-Ireland semi-final and final, scything through seasoned, expert defences like a young George Best...
Nowadays, he hardly gets the ball. When he does he is way outfield. He used to be Diego Maradona. Now he is James Milner.
You can read the article in full here.
It's difficult to disagree with Brolly here. O'Callaghan does not seem to carry the same attacking threat that he did when he first broke through, something that is largely down their the team's attacking structure.
The Cuala man has certainly failed to shine during the opening few weeks of 2024, something Dublin GAA fans will be hoping changes in the weeks ahead.
It will be interesting to see if their tactical approach changes by the time the championship rolls around. If not, they might find it difficult to retain the Sam Maguire.
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