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Paul Flynn at yesterday's launch of Skins as a partner for Dublin GAA. INPHO/Donall Farmer
GAA

Dublin forward Flynn backs FRC proposal on taking frees

The Dublin attacker has also revealed that injured teammate Alan Brogan is back in training with their squad.

DUBLIN’S PAUL FLYNN has backed the FRC proposal which seeks to eradicate cynicism in the game in relation to delaying frees being taken.

The new rule will see the referee be allowed to bring the ball forward 30 yards if players are prevented from taking frees quickly.

But the Fingallians club man is unsure about other proposals that are being brought to Congress in Derry on March 22nd-23rd in relation to the potential introduction of the black card and the mark.

“I like the one where they’ll bringing the ball forward 30 yards for cynical fouling and stuff. The cards, I’m not too sure about still, I haven’t up my mind.

“The mark, no. They tried that. I remember that before and I didn’t think it worked. The pick-up, I’d love to see that tried.”

Flynn, who was speaking yesterday at the launch of a two-year deal between Dublin GAA and Skins, is also hopeful that Dublin’s attacking style of play, which has seen them become top scorers in the top flight of the league this year, will become prevalent in Gaelic football.

“Hopefully, it [prevailing style of Gaelic football] works in cycles, and maybe everyone might go this approach because it’s a lot more attractive to watch.

“I can only speak for ourselves. We’re still working on the defensive side of things as well, but it’s probably just trying to have a nice balance.  We’re getting good scores, but we need to be a bit tighter in defence.”

Flynn also revealed that Alan Brogan is back in training with the Dublin footballers as he recovers from the groin injury that blighted his 2012 season.

The three-time All-Star endured a difficult campaign last year and only lasted 17 minutes after coming on as a substitute during the All-Ireland semi-final loss to Mayo.

“He’s been back running,” said Flynn. ” He’s at training all the time now.  He’s doing his runs with the physio and is moving well.

“They look to be only in a straight line at the minute but ah yeah, he’ll be back soon.

“It was (serious) in the end. I’d feel for him, but look, he’ll be back, he’s naturally fit as well.  I don’t know how he does it but he comes back and he’s flying fit – he’ll be good.”

Alan Brogan of Dublin. Pic: INPHO/Donall Farmer

Meanwhile Flynn has backed Ballymun Kickhams to win Sunday’s All-Ireland club final against St Brigid’s. Philly McMahon is amongst Flynn’s county teammates in the Ballymun setup while he lined out in the Sigerson Cup this year for DCU with James McCarthy, Dean Rock and Davy Byrne.

“They are just such a strong willed team. They keep on coming up with the goods. It’s going to be difficult for St Brigid’s after beating Crossmaglen.

“I think Ballymun and Crossmaglen would be quite similar in their intense kind of play.  It’s going to be difficult for Ballymun but it would be great to see them win.

“Dean, Jamesie and Davy Byrne, they are all good lads. Even when they were playing with Ballymun they soldiered on with DCU and they had no problem coming training so I’d love to see them win it.”

Ballymun’s opponents in next Sunday’s clash have named their team for the game. St Brigid’s manager Kevin McStay has made two changes from the team that defeated Crossmaglen Rangers in the semi-final.

Johnny Murray comes into the team at left corner-back while Damien Kelleher starts at right half-forward. Garvin Dolan and Ger Aherne are the players to make way.

Murray and Kelleher are two of six new players into the St Brigid’s team from the side that lost out in their last All-Ireland club final appearance two yeaars ago. Goalkeeper Shane Curran, defenders Niall Grehan and Ronan Stack, and attacker Richard Blaine are the other newcomers.

ST BRIGID’S: Shane Curran; Gearoid Cunniffe, Peter Domican, Johnny Murray; Niall Grehan, Darragh Donnelly, Ronan Stack; Karol Mannion, Ian Kilbride; Damien Kelleher, Richard Blaine, Darren Dolan; Cathal McHugh, Senan Kilbride, Frankie Dolan.

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