Death, taxes and Stephen Cluxton between the posts under Hill 16 - you've heard it all before.
24 years after first donning the Sky Blue, the 43-year-old once again started for Dublin, in their Division 1 defeat of last year's All-Ireland runners-up Galway.
This time, however, things were different for Cluxton - who after two decades of playing inter-county football has had to adapt to the wholesale changes made to Gaelic Football by the FRC.
At times in Dublin's 2-19 to 2-13 win over the unbeaten Tribesmen that showed, particularly in the latter part of the first half when Galway had gathered momentum from an on-point Dublin side and had put Cluxton's long kickouts under pressure.
15 March 2025; Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Dublin and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Dessie Farrell backs veteran Cluxton in new rules
Speaking to TG4 after Cluxton's surprise replacement of the injured Evan Comeford last night, Dublin boss Dessie Farrell was in little doubt that despite Cluxton's first-half challenges, the veteran Dubliner would get to grips with the new rules.
Stephen will adapt. It's his first game back, you know we're delighted to have him in the squad this year particularly given the experience that's left.
He's an old wise head around the place and it's great to have him and he'll get to grips with it. He's just back from a long lay off and a significant injury so it was great to get him some game time tonight.
‘It's all about building this new generation' @DubGAAOfficial #DUBvGAL
Smaointe Dessie Farell tar éis an bua sin a fháil anocht.
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— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 15, 2025
In Cluxton's defence that getting to grips did become more evident as the second half rolled on, and Dublin secured a six-point and reasonably comfortable Croke Park victory.
Making full use of the possession they did win from Cluxton, Dublin's attack proved much more fluid and clinical than it did in recent league appearances.
Sean Bugler announced his return to the Dublin set-up with a goal in each half, the first of which had offered Dublin a commanding lead after the first quarter of action.
While Galway bounced back in the second quarter, and at times in the second half, Dublin's sharpshooters did well to keep Joyce's previously unbeaten mean at touching distance throughout the second 35.
Of the 19 points they put up, Luke Breathnach and Con O'Callaghan claimed four a piece, with Breathnach claiming the county's only two-pointer of the evening.
Cormac Costello also wasted few opportunities on the ball, claiming five points including two frees and a 45.
Dublin now sit joint top of Division One, level with both Galway and Donegal and holding onto a prime opportunity to book their spot in the league final if they can overcome Tyrone in Omagh next weekend.
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