Dessie Farrell hoping experience of U21 Leinster final can drive his players on

Dublin U21 football manager, Dessie Farrell, is hoping that the experience gained and the nature of last Saturday's EirGrid Leinster U21FC final victory against Kildare will boost his side ahead of their upcoming All-Ireland semi-final.

The Dubs trailed by seven points late in the opening half but recovered brilliantly to eventual prevail in extra-time to secure a third provincial U21 title for the first time ever in Dublin's history, all managed by Dessie Farrell.

His side face Connacht champions, Mayo, on Saturday week (venue and time tbc) after they overcame a highly-rated Roscommon side in their own provincial decider last Saturday night.

Reflecting on last weekend's success Dessie said: "We have had some wonderful games with Kildare in recent years. But at the end of the day, this is all about developing players.

"Producing footballers that can move on into the senior grade in another year or two.

"There's great experience to be garnered for any player who was out in the middle of that there.

"This group have been developing its own personality as a team in the last couple of months, and that has been interesting in its own right.

"We have got to know the players as they came through the development squads and the minor panel. We feel they have come on in leaps and bounds. And please God they will continue to develop.

"As a management team it's been a great project for us and hopefully the boys are enjoying it too."