It’s a new era for Dublin football. A new manager and a raft of new faces, forming a new side that seems certain to taste championship success over the coming years. How soon that can be remains open to debate. Immediate thoughts turn to Westmeath, and the Dubs’ opening Leinster SFC tie this weekend at Croke Park.

Despite a superb league campaign, which saw the Dubs lift the league trophy for the first time in twenty years, the abiding recent Croke Park memory for many Dublin fans will be last year’s semi-final defeat to Mayo. For Paul Flynn, however, that game, and all memories of that year, are now behind the new look Dublin side.

“I’d say that’s locked and put behind us now at this stage. It’s about building on the momentum we have from the league campaign. We have a lot of new faces this year and they weren’t around last year and they wouldn’t know too much about that,” he said, speaking with Newstalk’s Oisin Langan.

Flynn spoke with Newstalk about his personal plans for the season ahead, the threat he feels Westmeath pose and the potential of Jim Gavin’s side. Last year’s All- Star also discussed why individual accolade pales in significance against team success.

“I’m trying to build on my game every year and this year is no different. I find areas of weakness and I try and develop them and that’s just what I try and do and, you know, albeit I won an all-star last year but at the end of the day it was a disappointing year.

“I’m in team sports to try and compete as a team, to try and win as a team. It’s nice to get awarded with individual accolades at the end of the year but it’s all about winning as a team for me and just being a part of a successful team,” Flynn said.

Dublin manager Jim Gavin has named a strong side to face Westmeath tomorrow night, in their Leinster senior football Championship opener at Croke Park.

Rory O'Carroll is at full back with Darren Daly and Johnny Cooper either side, Ger Brennan is at centre back while James Mc Carthy and Jack Mc Caffery are on the wings with Michael Dara Mc Auley and Cian O'Sullivan in midfield.

Paul Flynn, Ciaran Kilkenny and Diarmuid Connolly are in the half forwards while Paul Mannion, Paddy Andrews and Bernard Brogan complete the full forward line.

Listen to the full interview with Paul Flynn via the player below
Image: Dublin footballer Paul Flynn ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan