It wasn’t insignificant either that James McCarthy, who is just one All-Ireland victory away from becoming the most decorated Sam Maguire winner in history, was unequivocal when asked in August on his plans for 2023. “I’m definitely planning on going back next season,” he said. “I think there is a bit of unfinished business still.”
“So, I’d say the players were thinking about this – if they had Con, if they had Paul and if they had Jack, suddenly you are feeling a lot more confident about yourself again. Seeing Kerry get back on top and win the All-Ireland, in a strange way it could have been the kick to reinvigorate some of the Dublin players. Suddenly there is a cause there to chase down, try get the best squad of players together and go after Kerry and try win back the All-Ireland.
Former Dublin player Johnny Magee believes an element of unfinished business played a part in the return of Jack McCafferty and Paul Mannion to the Dublin fold. Photograph: Brian Reilly-Troy/Inpho “There is only a certain period of your life where you can play football, and an even shorter period where you can play intercounty football. All going well you will have many years afterwards to enjoy other things like family events and holidays, but your lifespan as a footballer is so short.”