Dublin and Ballymun Kickhams forward Dean Rock is hoping Diarmuid Connolly will return to the sport in time for the start of the All-Ireland Championship.

The two-time All-Star has taken a complete break from the game and was a notable absentee for St Vincent’s when they kicked off their Dublin senior title defence against Skerries Harps earlier this month.

Speaking to Off The Ball’s Jamie Moore, Rock shared his feelings about a potential return for Connolly.

“Diarmuid is just resting at the moment and obviously it would be great to have him back come the Championship,” Rock said.

“Diarmuid’s record speaks for itself and he’s such a talented footballer and has performed on the big stage on many occasions.”

Rock, meanwhile, scored 1-10 as Ballymun opened up their Dublin SFC campaign with a six-point win over St Brigid’s.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Rock said: “It was a great start for us.

“And it was really our first competitive game since our defeat in last year’s Dublin county final. As a group we didn’t really know where we stood. Obviously, [there was] new management and a lot of new young players.

“So all in all, it was a very impressive start from us and a great win.”

Looking forward, Rock gave his thoughts on his side taking on Clontarf next Friday, who lost out to Castleknock in their SFC opener.

“Again it’s another competitive Championship game,” Rock said.

“We’ll play over in Inis Fail’s GAA club next Friday night and it’s great for us to get another game under our belts and playing with the lads, because we don’t get that opportunity with six county lads down with Dublin.

“It’s going to be a hugely competitive game again but hopefully we can have another improved performance from the one we had against St Brigid’s.”

Rock was speaking in Carton House today to help mark the commencement of the 2018 AIG Cups & Shields season and to celebrate AIG’s 20th anniversary as a partner to the GUI and ILGU

Written by James Hopper