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©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Spring Series

Nelson, O'Mahony start Dubs' grudge match against Mayo

Dublin host Mayo tomorrow in a repeat of the 2012 All-Ireland semi-final.

DUBLIN BOSS JIM Gavin makes two changes for tomorrow’s Division 1 clash against Mayo, handing Darragh Nelson and Declan O’Mahony their first starts of the season.

With Rory O’Carroll absent due to Fitzgibbon Cup commitments with UCD, Nelson comes in at wing-back as part of a defensive reshuffle while O’Mahony replaces the suspended Michael Darragh McAuley in midfield.

Ciaran Kilkenny is also set to make his reappearance in blue after training with the squad this week for the first time since his return from Australia.

But with the capital’s U21s in action against Longford next Wednesday, Gavin is very conscious of his young players’ multiple commitments.

I see that [U21 game] as a priority for those players but at the same time you have to try and get a balanced approach.

I have been through that process in the past so I am very well aware of the demands on players  so we’ll definitely get the balance right hopefully.

All-Ireland winning captain Bryan Cullen could feature at some stage tomorrow evening while Gavin revealed that All-Star forward Alan Brogan is back in training but still “a good bit off” a return to action.

Another absentee is St Brigid’s Barry Cahill who announced his retirement from inter-county action earlier this week.

“I spoke with Barry a good while ago. I spoke with him back in November and outlined my plans and what I was expecting from players.

“Barry has been a dominant player for Dublin over the last number of years and has given stellar service to the county jersey. His haul of medals and awards is a reflection of the hard work he has put in.

“We wish Barry the very best and Brigid’s are lucky to get Barry back full time.”

Dublin: Stephen Cluxton (Parnells); Darren Daly (Fingal Ravens), Kevin O’Brien (Naoimh Mearnog), Jonny Cooper (Na Fianna); Darragh Nelson (Ballyboden St Enda’s), Ger Brennan (St Vincents), Jack McCaffrey (Clontarf); Declan O’Mahony (Ballyboden St Enda’s), Cian O’Sullivan (Kilmacud Crokes); Paul Flynn (Fingallians), Tomas Brady (Na Fianna), Ciaran Reddin (St Maurs); Paddy Andrews (St Brigids), Diarmuid Connolly (St Vincent’s), Bernard Brogan (Oliver Plunketts Eoghan Ruaidh).

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