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James McCarthy was speaking at the launch of Setanta Sports' 2014 Allianz League schedule. For more information, visit www.setanta.com. INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Dub steps

McCarthy expects Jason Whelan to bounce back after ban

Ballymun Kickhams forward will miss most of Dublin’s league campaign while he serves an eight-week ban.

JAMES MCCARTHY EXPECTS clubmate Jason Whelan to bounce back from his eight-week ban.

The up-and-coming Dublin forward was suspended this week for “inflicting injury recklessly” and will miss most of the league campaign.

Controversy surrounded Dublin’s exit from O’Byrne Cup after the Leinster Council investigated allegations that a DCU player had been ‘bitten’.

Whelan had been a regular feature during pre-season and McCarthy admitted that his loss is “a blow.”

He said: “Jason would have had a good opportunity to play league games but, look, it’s been dealt with now and there’s nothing we can do about it.

“I’m sure he’ll keep his head down and he’ll work hard over the next few weeks.

If he just puts the head down and works hard, he’ll be fine.

McCarthy himself will also miss the Division 1 opener against Kerry in Croke Park on 1 February. The Ballymun defender was excused from pre-season while he recovered from the groin problem he carried through the latter stages of last year’s All-Ireland.

But he hopes to feature in DCU’s Sigerson Cup campaign and then make a speedy return to the Dubs.

“I haven’t kicked a ball in the last two or three months,” he said, “so I’m going to be a bit rusty going back but it was good to get a break.

“It’s the longest break I’ve ever had – since the start really.

“I kind of needed it to be honest. I’ve picked up a few knocks here and there.”

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McCarthy in action during Ballymun’s Dublin SFC final defeat against St Vincent’s (INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan)

As well the senior stars missing through injury, Jim Gavin will also be without the St Vincent’s players who are preparing for an AIB All-Ireland Club semi-final against Ballinderry.

This time last year, it was Ballymun who were focused on club glory and the pain of their defeat against St Brigid’s Roscommon hasn’t gone away for McCarthy.

“That will be with me for the rest of my career, the rest of my life,” he said.

Vincent’s, who ended their reign as Dublin champions after an enthralling replay, now have a “great opportunity” to go all the way.

“They came through a tough campaign in Dublin which always helps.

“We had two tough games against them, two tight games. It could have gone either way but I think they deserved it in the end. They have Diarmuid [Connolly] and Ger [Brennan] back from suspension as well so they should be well set for that game.”

He added: “I think the second game we ran out of steam a little bit and they were just a bit more experienced.

“We started those games very fast and for the last 10 or 15 minutes we were hanging on to their coat tails.

“In fairness to them they finished both games very strong and they just nipped us in the end.”

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