VETERAN MIDFIELDER DENIS Bastick is back for another season with the Dublin footballers, Tomas Brady has opted out of the panel for 2017 and there’s no sign of an immediate return to the setup for New Zealand based defender Rory O’Carroll.
Jim Gavin returned to the sideline as Dublin manager for yesterday’s game against Cavan after handing the reins over to Paul Clarke during January’s successful O’Byrne Cup campaign.
And the Dublin boss confirmed after the match in Kingspan Breffni Park, the availability of Bastick and departure of Brady for the season ahead.
“Denis was out injured (today) but he’ll be back playing with his club Templeogue Synge Street the weekend after next.
“They’ve just welcomed a second child into the family so he’s a lot going on and needs that bit of space.
“He’s a very busy job as well but he’s very much on board, thankfully.
“Tomás won’t be with us this year for work and personal reasons. Tomás has had a stellar career with us and when he reflects on the trophies and medals that he’s won he and his family will be very proud.
“We’ll certainly miss him. He’s been a great leader with that group and when Tomás spoke everyone listened.
“He’s a good character and the club are lucky to have him – and any organisation he works for.”
Brady is the only confirmed absentee for Dublin in 2017 with everyone else available for the All-Ireland champions.
Jonny Cooper was suspended for yesterday’s game while Diarmuid Connolly, Shane Carthy and Michael Savage are gearing up for St Vincent’s All-Ireland club semi-final next Sunday.
Cian O’Sullivan, Paul Flynn, Paddy Andrews and Bernard Brogan were also not part of yesterday’s 26-man squad.
“We have different timelines for certain players to come back to the squad in the coming weeks,” revealed Gavin.
“Paul is already with us and Cian and Bernard will be back with us in the coming weeks.
“So we’ll all be back on track hopefully soon.”
There has been no contact with All-Star winning defender Rory O’Carroll about a potential return.
“He’s working away in New Zealand,” said Gavin.
“When he comes back and starts to play football again with Kilmacud we’ll have a chat.”
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