Hannah Tyrrell has brought "everything" in terms of professional know-how to Dublin - and Caoimhe O'Connor is hoping the Blues' playmaker will come back for their All-Ireland title defence in 2024.

It was a dream come true for Tyrrell to play a key role in the Dubs' unexpected return to the top of the championship pile this year.

The former soccer and rugby ace - she represented Ireland in the oval ball game - returned to Ladies' Football during the 2021 season, however, the Dubs lost the All-Ireland final to Meath.

READ MORE: Hannah Tyrrell toying with the idea of one more season with Dublin

Then last year were beaten at the quarter-final stage by Donegal and, with so many experienced players missing this year, it seemed that Mick Bohan's new-look side would not be ready for a realistic shot at championship glory.

But they picked up momentum as the season progressed and finished on a high by beating Kerry to lift the Brendan Martin Cup - with Tyrrell leading the way with eight first-half points.

It was their first triumph since 2021 but their fourth in seven years.

Tyrrell, who picked up her second AllStar last week after recently being named the Gaelic Writers’ Association Ladies Football Personality of the Year, is currently weighing up the pros and cons of coming back for one more year.

"I know Hannah has said that she hasn't decided what she's doing yet so people are probably just doing their own thing and taking the time off that they need to spend time with their families," said O'Connor.

"Obviously during the season it's a long road and you're away from a lot of your family for long periods of time. I suppose we'll just regroup in January and see what we have.

"She's such a key player in our squad and a great member. We've loved having her since she came in so having her back would be great.

"She's brought everything. She's so knowledgeable. She's a great sportsperson and she's done so much in other sports.

"Obviously she's come in and added an All-Ireland to her many awards that she's already gotten so it would be great if she came back in and stayed with us.

"I think her professionalism in itself obviously brings a new sense of professionalism to our game. As a group, you probably spend so much time together than you learn a lot and it rubs off on each other. We've definitely learned a lot from her since she came in."

O'Connor believes the Dublin v Kerry rivalry is heating up after the sides' meetings in 2023.

The Kingdom thumped Dublin in the league in February, their 11 point victory showing the Dubs how far they had to climb to compete again with the top-ranked sides.

When the sides met again in June, the Dubs lost by four. "We had a few clashes with them this year, we went down to Kerry in the league and they hammered us," acknowledged 23-year-old O'Connor, who is six years in the Blues' set-up.

"That wasn't a great day. They beat us in Parnell Park as well and then we played again in the All-Ireland final.

"So absolutely, I think there's probably a rivalry there between us.

"When two teams are playing against each other, everyone is so competitive and both teams want to be successful, there's always going to be a bit of rivalry."

*Staycity Aparthotels has been announced as the new main sponsor of Dublin GAA. The Dublin-based and Irish-owned company has agreed to a 5-year deal to incorporate sponsorship of the Dublin men’s and ladies football, hurling and camogie teams.

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