On Sunday, Kildare great Johnny Doyle will run out at Croke Park for the first time in six years.

The 41-year-old shot the lights out at HQ on a regular basis during a sterling senior intercounty career than comprised some 154 appearances between 2000 and 2014. This weekend, he’ll be back on Jones Road as the Lilywhites face up to Meath in the Leinster junior football final, having slotted three semi-final points after coming off the bench against Longford:

“Obviously it was great to get the win over Longford, and it's fantastic that we'll be playing the final at Croke Park, and before the Leinster senior final,” the Allenwood sharp-shooter told The Irish Independent. “I haven't played in Croke Park since I was involved in the International Rules Series game against Australia, in October 2013.

“As in the format in the Series, I had been on and off a few times in that game, and then with about 10 minutes when we were well in front, I asked Paul Earley if I could have another run on the pitch, as I felt it would be my last time playing there.

“Paul obliged and now it's a dream come true for me to be going back to Croke Park once more with a chance of being involved there in a playing capacity.”

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