It’s good to have Bernard back: Jim Gavin

Dublin manager Jim Gavin has lauded the determination and dedication of Bernard Brogan after the St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh man made his competitive return to action in Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final Group 2 Phase 3 victory over Roscommon in Croke Park.

Less than six months after suffering a cruciate injury and undergoing surgery Bernard temporarily replaced Mark Schutte as a blood sub late in the second half.

“He’s got a very busy professional life outside of his sport,” said Jim.

“To combine that – and he’s just welcomed twins into his family and to have that at home as well – and to still apply himself as dedicated and as diligently as he did the last five-and-a-half months has been remarkable, but he’s got such a positive outlook on life.

“From the day the injury happened he was very focused on getting back around this time of the year and it’s happened for him.

“He’s got a lot of support obviously from family and friends, but it’s down to Bernard himself.

“He’s put a lot of hard work in there and that hard work has paid off, so it’s good to have him back.”

Jim also praised AIG on their choice of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie as their charity, with Dublin wearing a jersey on Sunday the sported their logo.

“It was a great initiative by AIG staff. Their charity this year was Aoibheann’s Tie.

“We were delighted to be able to support Jimmy Redmond, he lost his daughter back in 2010 to cancer. Aoibheann was eight years-old.

“Anyone who is a parent or who has brothers or sisters or nieces or nephews that old…it must have been such a traumatic time.

“But Jimmy showed great strength to be able to help other families.

“It’s very emotional to see Aoibeann’s Pink Tie on the Dublin jersey. And hopefully Jimmy and his charity get the exposure it deserves.

“It was such a worthy cause and we were delighted to be able to support it.”