Dublin's start to life in Division Two was nothing but rocky, but just like the days of old, when the clock began to wind down and even Dublin's most ardent supporters were fearing the loss of the glory days Dublin came roaring out of the Cusack Stand Stephen Cluxton in situ to blow unbeaten Derry away.
While Dublin might be safely back in Division One, all eyes have been on the return of Stephen Cluxton. Having flown off radar for the last two years, Dublin's messiah was spotted making an all too familiar jog out of the depths of the Hogan Stand tunnel in Dublin's crunch game v Louth. His return shocked everyone, even players just departed from the Dublin squad with many questioning if Dessie Farrell needed to let bygones be and look to the future.
However, speaking at AIG's Championship Launch on Wednesday, Dublin captain James McCarthy revealed that the star's return even surprised him, the squad captain.
It was surprising once we got wind it was happening, but once we heard, everyone was delighted he's obviously been a massive player for Dublin for the last decade or two decades.
It's just great to have him in he's a big presence and he challenges guys and competition is great for everyone and that's what he's been doing since he came back so it's great to have him back around.
12 April 2023; Dublin footballer James McCarthy during the Dublin GAA Championship Launch with AIG at Parnell Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
When asked about the secrecy of Stephen Cluxton's shock return, McCarthy was quick to dispel any mad theories but revealed he certainly wasn't screaming it from the rooftops.
That was his first week back training so that was the time to pop him in. We weren't gonna be roaring down the hills during the week saying it was happening but Dublin GAA subtly dropped it in the day of the match so I think it caught a few people off guard alright.
While Cluxton's return has brought out plenty of critics, McCarthy was under no doubt about what the 8-time All-Ireland winner offers.
He brings great leadership commitment, training standard, so we're all delighted to have him back. Competition for the group is great for a young goalkeeper like David Hanlon it's great to have him there as well to help bring him on as much as possible. He helps drive things along on the driving pitch.
Dublin and McCarthy head to Portlaoise on Sunday the 23rd of April for their Leinster Championship quarter-final against Laois. What part Stephen Cluxton will play is yet to be seen, but one thing is certain, the Dublin legend has no intention of spending the rest of the season keeping the dugout warm.
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