Going into this year's Championship, those attempting to reason why Dublin would not retain their title cited the loss of two players from the defence which won the 2015 All-Ireland. Jack McCaffrey was heading abroad as part of his studies for the summer. Rory O'Carroll left for New Zealand.
McCaffrey will presumably return to the Dublin panel next. O'Carroll's participation is less certain.
Speaking on Tuesday at the launch of the Ireland Active Conference 2016 and White Flag National Quality Standard Awards, Philly McMahon said that he's had little contact with O'Carroll bar one text message prior to the All-Ireland final.
Rory O'Carroll nickname
McMahon did not recognise the number, a lengthy international one. After requesting the identity of the person, O'Carroll replied with the nickname which the Ballymun player has for him.
Rory's a real dry character. I call Rory an Oblong Head because of the length of his head. He texted me before the game to say best of luck with this long international number. I texted back 'Who is this?' It came back 'It's Oblong Head. Best of luck.'
That's the only time I've spoke to Rory so I don't know if he's going to be back.
Taking a year out of football, like O'Carroll has, is not an option which McMahon would contemplate. After breaking into the Dublin team in 2008 under Paul Caffrey, he was dropped from the panel by new manager Pat Gilroy. That year without inter-county football was enough for him.
I wouldn't think for a minute about missing a year of football. I've missed a year of football already from being dropped. So it was out of my hands. I've experienced not playing a year of football. It's probably the worst feeling in the world when you get that phone call - 'You're not in the plans this year.' Then you have to talk to your family members and friends and you're thinking 'Jesus, I've got to tell this story again.'
Then your ego takes over and you're thinking 'Is this really my fault?' In a nutshell it is. You need to make your manager want you for a player.
In terms of Rory, you have to respect what his decision was. He's that type of person.
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
