The loss of generational players Brian Fenton, James McCarthy, Michael Fitzsimons and Paul Mannion signalled the end of an era for Dublin football.
But a new era may be just beginning with Cuala taking the All-Ireland club title, inspired by a number of players with potential of making the Dublin team.
Peter Duffy, Charlie McMorrow, Niall O'Callaghan, David O'Dowd and Peadar Ó Cofaigh were among their most impressive performers on their way to lifting the Andy Merrigan Cup.
30 November 2024; Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne of Cuala during the AIB Leinster GAA Senior Club Football Championship final match between Cuala of Dublin and Ardee St Mary's of Louth at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Less than a month later, a Dublin-dominated DCU team surged to Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup glory, with various young Dubs showcasing their potential.
Ethan Dunne won man-of-the-match in the final having starred in midfield alongside his club-mate Greg McEnaney.
Eoghan O'Connor Flanagan from the same club also impressed at corner back as did Alex Gavin and Conor Dolan.
Fenton and co. will be huge losses but Dublin retain the experience of the likes of Stephen Cluxton, Con O'Callaghan, Ciaran Kilkenny and John Small, amongst others.
12 February 2025; The Dublin contingent of DCU Dóchas Éireann players, from left, Eoghan O'Connor Flanagan, Greg McEnaney, Ethan Dunne, Alex Gavin, Lorcan O'Dell and Conor Dolan, all from Dublin, after their side's victory in the Electric Ireland Higher Education GAA Sigerson Cup final match between UCD and DCU DÉ at the GAA Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan, Mayo. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Paul Flynn suggested on the Second Captains podcast that Dublin's dominance in Leinster may come under threat given the quality they've lost. Louth's emergence as a rising force may be another factor leading to such statements but Dublin remain the team to beat.
We've selected a potential Dublin Starting XV come championship season, barring injuries.
Potential Dublin Starting XV
1 Stephen Cluxton
Dessie Farrell revealed recently that he's back in the Dublin squad.
2 Davy Byrne
Suffered a hamstring injury against Donegal but should retain his place when he returns to fitness.
3 Theo Clancy
Has played well in the league and for UCD in recent weeks.
4 Sean McMahon
Impressive in the opening rounds of the League.
5 Lee Gannon
Hasn't appeared since a season ending hamstring injury last year. If he returns to fitness then he and Eoin Murchan may fight it out for the one position.
6 Brian Howard
Played centre back in the opening round of the League against Mayo.
7 John Small
Is taking a break during the early rounds of the league, and is expected to return to the fold by championship time.
8 Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne
Starred for Cuala, winning man-of-the-match in the All-Ireland club final.
9 Greg McEnaney
Showed his class in the Sigerson Cup final, having scored 0-2 in each of Dublin's opening NFL games.
10 Ciaran Kilkenny
Remains one of the most experienced players in the team.
11 Killian McGinnis
Another Skerries Harps youngster with great potential.
12 Sean Bugler
Has had a brilliant start to the League, kicking a remarkable seven from play against Mayo.
13 Colm Basquel
Suffered a hamstring injury against Donegal having impressed for Dublin and TUD in the Sigerson Cup.
14 Con O'Callaghan
Hasn't returned since Cuala's triumph but will be the key man.
15 Cormac Costello
Didn't play in Dublin's opening league games but should slot straight in.
Subs: David O'Hanlon, Niall Scully, Eoin Murchan, Peter Duffy, Charlie McMorrow, Eoghan O'Donnell, Paddy Small, Tom Lahiff, Ethan Dunne, Luke Breathnach, Lorcan O'Dell.
