Dublin suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the Allianz Football Division 1 final on Sunday. The Dubs were under pressure for a lot of the match but were able to stay in it and dragged it all the way through extra time and to a penalty shoot-out but lost to Derry.
It's always tough for goalkeepers to lose on penalties, they aren't necessarily to blame but they can be the difference between winning and losing. Dublin goalkeeper Evan Comerford didn't play poorly on Sunday but with the shadow of Stephen Cluxton still hanging over this Dublin team, the question will always persist whether Cluxton should start.
McCluskey Believes Comerford Could Remain First Choice
There is however a few that believe Comerford could retain the starting jersey for Championship, including former Fermanagh centre back Ryan McCluskey. Speaking on the RTÉ GAA Podcast this week, McCluskey believes Comerford has the legs to play a more modern style of play, a style of play he believes Dublin will struggle to play against if 42-year old Cluxton is in nets.
I think Dublin might retain Evan Comerford. He plays a bit more out the pitch and I think Dublin have to add that 16th attacking player over the next number of months to live with the likes of Derry.
I think they struggle against sides who play that 'attacking keeper’, in this new era. I think they may struggle if they do come against sides like Derry that play that attacking keeper.
Would Stephen Cluxton have helped Dublin get over the line in their league final defeat to Derry? Ryan McCluskey thinks Dessie Farrell could stick with Evan Comerford instead of the 10-time All-Ireland winner for championship #GAA #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/SW0xNAJgxQ
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) April 2, 2024
Stephen Cluxton has reportedly been training as part of the panel but didn't play any part in Dublin's league campaign with Comerford and David O'Hanlon being preferred. Everyone knows Cluxton's ability and he showed last year that to him ages is just a number as he made a return to the panel and played a key role in Dublin's All-Ireland triumph.
It would be hard on Comerford to be demoted after the league campaign but the 26-year old may have to make way for one of the best of all time.
SEE ALSO: Joe Brolly Was Put Through The Ringer During Derry's Dramatic Win Over Dublin
