DUBLIN LOOK READY to hit the ground running as they set their sights on a remarkable National Football League five-in-a-row.
A development panel, managed by Paul Clarke, breezed through the O’Byrne Cup while Jim Gavin and his All-Ireland winning squad holidayed in Jamaica.
But the league holders will almost be at full strength for Sunday’s league opener against Cavan, featuring no fewer than 10 of the side that started the All-Ireland final replay.
Of the five who did not start in the win over Mayo last October, four — David Byrne, Eric Lowndes, Michael Darragh MacAuley and Cormac Costello — played some part that day.
The fifth, Eoghan O’Gara, came off the bench in the drawn final and is named to start at full-forward in Breffni Park.
Cavan manager Mattie McGleenan hands out three league debuts with Castlerahan’s Fergal Reilly named at corner-back and Niall Clerkin at corner-forward.
Lavey’s Gerard Smith, who played in last summer’s championship, makes his first league start at wing-forward.
Throw-in is at 2pm.
Cavan
1. James Farrelly (Kingscourt)
2. Fergal Reilly (Castlerahan)
3. Padraig Faulkner (Kingscourt)
4. Killian Brady (Mullahoran)
5. Martin Reilly (Killygarry)
6. Conor Moynagh (Drumgoon)
7. John McCutcheon (Cootehill Celtic)
8. Killian Clarke (Shercock)
9. Rory Dunne (Redhills)
10. Ciarán Brady (Arvagh)
11. Dara McVeety (Crosserlough)
12. Gerard Smith (Lavey)
13. Niall Clerkin (Shercock)
14. Niall McDermott (Ballinagh)
15. Sean Johnston (Cavan Gaels)
Dublin
1. Stephen Cluxton (Parnells)
2. Michael Fitzsimons (Cuala)
3. Philly McMahon (Ballymun Kickhams)
4. David Byrne (Naomh Olaf)
5. James McCarthy (Ballymun Kickhams)
6. John Small (Ballymun Kickhams)
7. Eric Lowndes (St Peregrine’s)
8. Michael Darragh MacAuley (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
9. Brian Fenton (Raheny)
10. Paul Mannion (Kilmacud Crokes)
11. Kevin McManamon (St Jude’s)
12. Ciaran Kilkenny (Castleknock)
13. Dean Rock (Ballymun Kickhams)
14. Eoghan O’Gara (Tempelogue Synge Street)
15. Cormac Costello (Whitehall Colmcille)
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