IT’S TOO MUCH

Gavin is unhappy at fixture schedule

DUBLIN manager Jim Gavin has hit out at the Bord na Mona O’Byrne Cup’s punishing fixture schedule. Holders Dublin, like the rest of the teams in the competition, will play their third game in a week this Sunday.

They face Group A leaders DCU in a tie that will decide who progresses to the semi-finals of the tournament on Sunday week.

After a break in activity stretching back to last September, that’s potentially four competitive games in a fortnight for the Dubs.

Gavin has spoken before of his concern for player welfare in the busy months early each year and reckons it’s time for a rethink.

Asked if three games in a week for the group stages is too much, the two-time All-Ireland-winning chief nodded.

‘It is a lot. I said it last year that three games over the space of seven days is a lot for a county team and particularly a college team with a lesser pool of players. It’s not ideal and maybe they should look at it again,’ he said.

It would have been even more tricky for Gavin had the annual Dubs Stars challenge not been cancelled due to an unplayable pitch on January 2.

Gavin has at least got the luxury of a large panel of talented players to choose from with many fringe players getting their chance in ties against Wexford and IT Carlow.

So far, he has handed game time to 27 players with Oisin Manning, Conor Mullally, Con O’Callaghan, Mick Concarr, Adam Caffrey, Conor McGuire and Mick Deegan among those trying to impress.

Deegan, who plays his club football in Meath with Donaghmore Ashbourne, was excellent in Wednesday’s win over IT Carlow and fired five points from play.

St Vincent’s man Shane Carthy, McGuire and Jason Whelan all showed up well too, pleasing Gavin.

‘From a players’ point of view, to put in a solid performance like that and go through the process that’s required, it was good to see,’ said Gavin (left).

‘And it’s an opportunity for guys we haven’t seen before to wear the Dublin jersey. It’s good for them and their clubs.’ Holders Dublin begin their Allianz League campaign on January 30 with a Croke Park tie against Kerry, a repeat of September’s All-Ireland final. Gavin had generally good news on the injury front. ‘Brian Fenton had a minor (shoulder) procedure in the off-season,’ said Gavin. ‘He’s back already actually, he was with us on Monday night. ‘If things go well he’ll feature in the early rounds of the National League. ‘Kevin McManamon and Eric Lowndes should also be back for the early rounds of the League. Cian O’Sullivan is good, athletically he is very loose and he’s coming along well.

‘It’s just at this time of the season I took the opportunity to look at other players. That’s the only reason he isn’t here now but Cian is fit to play.’

As for cruciate knee ligament victim Eoghan O’Gara, who suffered the setback last March, Gavin was upbeat.

‘Eoghan is back, he has a pair of boots on, supporters will be glad to know,’ said Gavin.

‘He’s back on the training field so he’s delighted with his progress. Again, he should figure at the back end of the League.’

@keanepaul11