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1st August 2021
05:59pm BST

They will also point to Brian Howard, Ciarán Kilkenny, Con O'Callaghan and Brian Fenton. Doubt any team with those lads in it and you'll be left looking the fool.
But there is no denying that Dessie Farrell's side are struggling to go through the gears. You cannot have that many major personnel changes without the wings being clipped somewhat.
Wexford, Meath and Kildare have all been able to stay with Dublin much more than in recent years. Dublin at their most ruthless would have smashed the bookies' spread. 10+, 15+, 22+. Go against them and they would make you pay.
Following their 0-20 to 1-9 victory, former Meath star Colm O'Rourke had a great way to sum up what most of us are thinking about the Dubs.
"Dublin are a bit like Dracula," he remarked. "When I see a stake through them, I'll believe that they're dead!"One of these days, the sun may rise and turn this Dublin reign to dust. The stake may be planted in Dublin's chest. Mayo must be feeling confident that they can prove this reigning champs can be defeated. Cillian O'Connor is out, but other Mayo players have stepped up to share the scoring burden. Ryan O'Donoghue and Mattie Ruane have looked good, Aidan O'Shea is still causing opposition teams havoc. Paddy Durcan is on course for another All Star. The semi-final will separate the pretenders from the true contenders. Mayo are capable but, even though this Dublin team look weaker than usual, they will still need to be at their very best to get the job done.
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