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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Darragh Culhane

Dessie Farrell makes four shock changes as 'X-Factor' dropped to bench

Dessie Farrell made four shock changes for Dublin's All-Ireland quarter-final against Mayo on Sunday.

Ciaran Kilkenny and Jack McCaffrey were the two big names dropped in the late change to the Dublin starting XV as Daire Newcombe and Paddy Small also made way.

Cormac Costello comes in to start while Eoin Murchan, Paul Mannion and David Byrne were also parachuted into the starting lineup.

And the Sunday Game Panel were surprised with the big-name omissions.

Ciaran Whelan said on RTE's coverage: "I expected Eoin Murchan to come in for his pace and what he brings but Jack McCaffrey is a massive loss. He's the X-Factor. Dublin are a different team with him.

"Anytime he has come off the bench there's been an impact that he's made. He's out there and is obviously going to come on at some stage.

"Davy Byrne is coming in for that bit of experience in the back line. Ciaran Kilkenny's form has not been where he would like it to be this year but still he is a big game player and one who steps up on big days. We saw it against Kerry last year in the second half. He was the one who really put his hand up.

"(Paul) Mannion is coming in. We know what he brings into the table and Cormac Costello in, I'm not really surprised with that, we need a free taker on the pitch. Dean Rock is not playing. They need somebody that needs the qualities for taking frees."

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