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The bubble has been a buzzword of the pandemic.
But this golden age for Dublin footballers has had to do with the bubble.
Cian O’Sullivan has been a part of it for 11 years.
In the absence of Ireland’s semi-final win over Cavan 10 days ago, he hopes to be part of the team of the day for Sunday’s decisive match, to win an eighth Celtic Cross.
“In terms of time, it has not been great,” acknowledged the 32-year-old.
Similarly, he struggled with his hamstrings before the 2018 Irish semi-final and final and also before last year’s final.
“It’s something I’ve had to struggle with probably my entire career, more so in recent years with the mileage on the clock.
“So, in a strange way, I’m used to it, which is possibly a good thing. I know what to do. I feel good.”
O’Sullivan, Stephen Cluxton, James McCarthy. They were there in 2011 with Pat Gilroy.
They are the ones still standing, along with superscripts Philly McMahon and Kevin McManamon.
Only Cluxton and McCarthy have been regulars this year.
“It’s a good benchmark,” O’Sullivan said.
“Being mentioned in the company of those two guys at any time is very nice, but it is not something that really motivates me or drives me.
“That bubble that we have within the team, trying to be the best team that we can be, holding that and being consistent with that and not being a flash in the pan and a one-hit wonder, that’s what really drives me and It motivates me to be a part of it.
“That creates massive competitive momentum. Getting involved and being at 26, or playing some role, is a great motivator.”
O’Sullivan is now the father of eight-month-old Bonnie.
He is one of only two parents on the panel, with Rory O’Carroll.
Is it harder now to connect with the younger guys?
“The gray hair?” O’Sullivan asked, laughing.
“Rory and I were talking about teeth coming in, talking and all that kind of stuff. But we’re a minority there.”
He admits it would have been difficult to manage the newcomer’s demands with his Dublin commitments this year.
COVID meant that you could work at home and juggle everything.
And next year?
“We will have to see how this vaccine is implemented,” he said.
“I could be working from home for a lot longer.
“Look, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. There are a lot of players who have kids and they manage to balance everything, so we’ll see.”
The blue bubble respects everyone.
Dublin’s dressing room was about survival of the fittest, as documented in Neil Cotter’s book ‘Dublin: The Chaos Years’.
Now more competitive than ever, a richer culture has developed alongside the success of the last decade.
“The older players have a role to show the younger players the ropes, but there is nothing deliberate there,” O’Sullivan explained.
“It just happens naturally, they learn the values and standards of what it takes to be a Dublin footballer.
“The new guys come in and it’s just, hand them the shirt. It would be great to see that kind of culture alive.
“There has been a great rotation in the last few seasons. Will it last forever? Honestly, I don’t know.
“We’ve seen dominant teams at certain times, with Kilkenny and Kerry. Those teams didn’t last forever. It will probably be the same with this team.
“But right now the focus is Saturday. We can reflect on those things later.”
For now, it’s just the bubble. The pure approach to Dublin that makes them favorites to say goodbye to Mayo again. COVID is not allowed to be a factor. There are no asterisks here.
“It has not diminished the importance of All-Ireland in any way for the players,” he said.
“This team has always been focused on the bubble we created and tried to get the most out of others.
“COVID doesn’t get too involved in it, or playing in front of crowded stadiums and glory and things like that.
“There is still the opportunity to win an All-Ireland. For us, playing against one of the best teams in recent times is something that we are very, very eager to do.
“If it’s similar to the previous games against Mayo, I’m sure it will be another epic encounter and battle.”
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