Dublin are pushing for a first All-Ireland crown since 2020 this weekend - and they have been aided in their quest this season by the unexpected return of one of the heroes of that team.
When Stephen Cluxton did not return to the Dublin camp for 2021, it seemed as though the All-Ireland final of 2020 would end up being his last game for the boys in blue.
Evan Comerford secured his place between the sticks for that 2021 season, and maintained his position for 2022, before an injury to the Ballymun Kickhams man handed an opportunity to Na Fianna's David O'Hanlon at the beginning of this season.
And then, one of the biggest surprises in recent GAA history, as Cluxton quietly returned not only to the Dublin setup, but instantly came into the matchday panel for the Division Two league game against Louth in March.
It stunned - and divided - GAA punters, and it did not take long for Cluxton to reestablish himself as the first choice 'keeper for the Dubs - he has not conceded a single goal in seven championship appearances since returning.
Cluxton has rejoined the Dublin squad in seemingly effortless fashion, despite the surprise of the wider football world at his return. Ahead of this Sunday's All-Ireland final against Kerry, Cluxton's Dublin teammate Brian Howard revealed that the players themselves were similarly blindsided by the return of the eight-times All-Ireland winner.
Dublin GAA: Brian Howard recalls surprise Cluxton return
15 July 2023; Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton before the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Dublin and Monaghan at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Brian Howard, speaking to RTÉ Sport ahead of the All-Ireland final, recalled the day in March when Stephen Cluxton returned to training with the Dublin panel, saying that it was a total surprise to his teammates.
He said that the return of Cluxton - as well as All-Stars Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion - had "lifted the spirits" of the Dublin panel:
I didn't know anything about it, I remember being here in Parnell Park and seeing him walk through the door. I looked around to see what other people's reactions were. When you think it's all over, he walks through the door. It's amazing.
I was four years of age when he made his debut in 2001. All the lads have looked up to him, to see the career that he's been on. He has lifted the spirits within the group, along with the return of Jack and Paul. To have Stephen around the group again is amazing.
Howard went on to say that Cluxton understood that his role in the squad had changed, and respected the need to fight to keep the goalkeeper jersey he had made his own:
He didn't come back to demand the No 1 jersey, he had to fight off some tough competition in Evan Comerford and David O'Hanlon. He has to back it now, he still has to work to keep hold of it.
This Sunday, Stephen Cluxton will strive to win a ninth All-Ireland - a feat never before achieved by a men's footballer. Teammates James McCarthy and Mick Fitzsimons could also achieve the same.
The All-Ireland final between Dublin and old rivals Kerry will get underway at 3:30pm on Sunday at Croke Park.
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