Cuala manager issues rallying cry to Dublin supporters

Cuala senior hurling manager Mattie Kenny has issued a rallying cry to supporters around the county to flock to Croke Park on St Patrick's Day and back his side in the AIB Club SHC final against Clare's Ballyea (3.0).

The Dalkey side have played some outstanding hurling on their way to a first Leinster title before outclassing Derry's Slaughtneil in their semi-final.

Now they are one step away from adding further history to their run by not only becoming the first side from the capital to reach and All-Ireland club hurling final but to go on and win one.

“It has been great to have so much support on our run to the final and that support has come not just from Cuala people but also from hurling fans in the greater Dublin area," says Mattie Kenny.

“We are highly conscious that we are representing the county and there is a lot of goodwill out there towards the team from hurling people within Dublin.

“We as a group are very appreciative of that support and we hope that supporters not just come out and support us on St Patrick’s Day but also that they make their presence known and that we can hear them cheering us on."

The Cuala boss knows his side will need to produce their best if they are to overcome the Clare and Munster champions who have beaten Thurles Sarsfields (Tipperary), Glen Rovers (Cork) and St Thomas (Galway) to reach Croker on St Patrick's Day.

"I think it’s fair to say that Ballyea are a very impressive side and their results up to this point have been very good," adds Mattie.

“We know that we are facing a huge challenge as they have been strong all year and they are impressive both individually and collectively.

“They have a strong work ethic and play for each other and when you add that to the players that they have, it makes them a very strong team.”