The All-Ireland winning manager cited the lack of impact the Dublin bench had on the game – Ryan Basquel was the only point scorer off the bench.

He compared the Dublin benches from previous Delaney Cup successes over Kildare and Laois in 2017 and 2018 with the one at the county’s disposal on Sunday.

The past benches featured the likes of Jack McCaffrey, Kevin McManamon and Paul Flynn.

Their bench in the 2017 final against Kildare was worth seven points to Dublin on the day, six greater than the bench on Sunday amassed.

Fitzmaurice noted that the bench is “possibly one area that [Dublin] aren’t as strong as they were”.

The bench has been a huge asset to Dublin’s football team in recent years with their replacements having been able to enter the match after 50 minutes and play to the same level and intensity the starters had.

McManamon was the most recognisable figure that Dublin would look to when they needed a change and the St Judes forward is the catalyst for several important moments throughout the team’s recent history.

He is still part of the Dublin panel but is currently in Tokyo as the sports psychologist is part of Team Ireland’s boxing camp.

Fitzmaurice praised Dublin’s high work rate under Dessie Farrell and used examples from Sunday’s game to showcase that.

The Sunday Game pundit analysed their performance and labelled the intensity they showed as the county’s “cornerstone”.

Dublin, although troubled in attack for periods of the final, put up a dogged display, retaining the ball all over the pitch throughout the game.

Fitzmaurice applauded the Dublin forwards for tracking back and helping out their defence whenever Kildare had possession.

Their inability to roll over for their opposition is something that Fitzmaurice believes is proof that the side is still among the top teams in the country.

“I think their work rate and the way they are tackling shows they’re not ready to give it up just yet.”

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The Sunday Independent report that the Clontarf club man’s decision isn’t related to the coronavirus pandemic. It is also not linked to his work on the frontline as a medical doctor. The Irish Independent also state that is more “a desire to take a break from the inter-county game”. Additionally the Independent say “There are strong indications” that McCaffrey may retire from inter-county football to focus on club football with Clontarf. Jack also took time out in 2016 when he travelled around Africa working with GOAL in Ethiopia. The flying wing back returned in 2017, however he ruptured his cruciate ligaments in that years All-Ireland Final against Mayo. However, he was back in 2018 where he helped Dublin to another All-Ireland title.

McCaffrey who is only 26, also helped Dublin to a historic five in a row in 2019. He put in a man of the match performance in the drawn game with Kerry where he scored 1-03. McCaffrey played little football throughout the league only making one appearance coming off the bench against Tyrone in Omagh on February 29th. As we know training for inter-county teams is not allowed until September 14th, with the games then starting in mid October. Dublin’s first championship game is not until November 8th where they will face Westmeath in Leinster.

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