This is a really special time: Cian O’Sullivan

Cian O'Sullivan says the search for the three in-a-row was not a central motivating force for the Dubs in 2017, an intercounty season which concluded with Jim Gavin's men securing the county's first three on the bounce since 1923.

“We didn’t refer to it at all during the year,” says Cian, “but then the final whistle goes and you’re looking around at all the lads and it’s been all hush-hush during the year and then it’s ‘we did it!’ Three in a row!’

“It’s incredible. You’re just rolling from one celebration to another. You just don’t get time to sit back properly and reflect on what you’ve achieved and the significance of the three-in-a-row.

“But as I’ve found over the last few years when we’ve been successful, it’s the couple of months after that you really get to sit down and really take it all in. To stop and reflect and say ‘Jesus, that was something else’."

The Kilmcud Crokes man also shed light on the Jim Gavin he knows well and how his calm temperament on the sideline is a strength for his team.

"He’s a really calm and collected guy. And I don’t know whether that’s from the army training or pilot training … whether you’re taught that if something is going wrong with the aircraft and you’re at the helm, you need to be calm and you need to be able to make key decisions in intense moments – maybe there’s something in that.

“For us it’s obviously a massive source of comfort to know that there is a guy like that steering the ship. It does fascinate people but that’s what Jim is like.

“It’s not that he doesn’t show any emotion,” adds Cian. “I think it’s a massive strength of his that he’s able to stay calm and collected in really intense moments.

“And I guess being able to do that allows him to make good decisions in those moments.

“And not make any rash decisions. Yeah, I think it’s a massive strength of his. It is unique. And onlookers would take notice of it but from a players’ perspective, it’s definitely a strength.”

Cian realises that Dublin's recent incredible run of successes is a golden era for Gaelic football in the capital.

“We’re in the business of playing football and winning games. And when the final whistle went against Mayo, just that feeling and that euphoria and being able to share that with the guys on the pitch and in the dressing room afterwards, that’s really what it’s all about.

“It’s a really special time. Playing football as a young kind, that’s what it’s all gearing towards.

“And to have those moments a few times over the last few years, I count myself very privileged to be part of this football team, to be born in this era and get to play with the likes of Paul Flynn, Stephen Cluxton and guys like that."