Paul Mannion admits it was difficult getting back up to speed with Dublin after spending a year in China.

The Kilmacud Crokes clubman missed the Dubs' 2015 All-Ireland success but patiently battled his way back into the team this year and was handed a starting jersey for the All-Ireland final replay against Mayo earlier this month:

"It was tough, January and February were tough months," he reflects. "I remember the first league game of the year. The first half I was absolutely knackered at half time, I came in and got sick in the sinks at Croke Park. It raised eyebrows a little bit.

"It took a long time to get back up to that level. I came in at the start of the year and all of the rest of the lads were pushing hard in the gym, doing runs, I was falling behind a bit so I said I need to pull my socks up a bit here.

"I got an injury in the Sigerson final that put me out for a few weeks which I just used to go to the gym, to catch up. By the time the summer came around I was probably in the best shape I was ever in.

"The main reason I wanted to go away was for enjoyment, to try something different but, yeah, when I came back it, it did give you that extra kick at the start of the year."

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