Total football versus total faith as Dubs hit new levels of performance

Dublin, reigning champions, ahead of the pack, tactically changing the game and seemingly getting stronger. No, unfortunately (well unfortunately for everyone outside the county limits) I'm not reminiscing about mid Jim Gavin era Dubs. I’m talking of Dessie Farrell’s Modern Dublin 3.0.

Pat Gilroy, Gavin and now Farrell – the three men faced three different tasks. Arguably Dessie, following on from Gavin, had the most daunting.

Winning an All-Ireland in his first year didn’t bring any vindication or credibility. It was seen as still Gavin’s team running on autopilot with Dessie observing from the driver’s seat. Unfair, probably, but that’s how it seemed.

The sense of joy and relief that met last year’s win spoke volumes: that was his win, his way. Ciarán Kilkenny’s time on the bench spoke volumes for Farrell's determination to change approach.

That win has been followed by a resurgence in confidence this spring. The aura that marked their six-in-a-row run is quickly returning.

A lot of the football Dublin have played in the league, especially since the first two rounds, has been to a standard that I haven’t seen another team play. Ever.

Even as I type I recognise that sounds like I’m getting ridiculously carried away. Of course, the performances should be caveated by the fact that it's league, not championship and further caveated by it being a league where it’s obvious not all teams are going with everything they have.

But still.

Spend enough time watching them and the quality only appears to increase. The footballing ability of their entire group is excellent, and while this is most obvious when looking at the consistency of their basic skills, for me, it's their determination to attack hard and their tackling ability that is