Graham Hannigan looks forward to exciting challenges of 2017

As the 2017 season is about to crank into gear with Sunday's Dubs Stars double-header in Parnell Park (hurling, 12.30; football, 2.0) Dublin footballer Graham Hannigan is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

The talented Castleknock defender was rewarded for his heroics with his club with a Dublin Bus/Herald Dubs Stars award and on Sunday will be determined to get 2017 off to an impressive start.

“It’s great to be in and around the Dublin panel and I am loving every minute of it. In some respects I’m still finding my feet but it’s a great place to be and it’s an absolute privilege to be involved," says Graham.

“The management team have asked me to work on certain things and it’s a case of working hard and hopefully having a consistent year.

“It would be great to be involved as they year progresses and get some valuable game-time but I’m under no illusions as to how hard it will be when you look at the players involved with Dublin in their half-back line.

“The competition for a place there is unbelievable when you think of the likes of James McCarthy, Cian O’Sullivan and John Small and then you have Jack McCaffrey returning this year.

“There’s also Eric Lowndes involved among others so while it’s going to be difficult to dislodge them, I’m really looking forward to the year and being involved in the set-up."