“It really was an outstanding performance. We knew that it was in this group”- Shane O’Brien

By Conor Martin

Dublin's U20 hurlers are looking forward to a meeting with Offaly in the Leinster U20 Hurling Championship after a 4-17 to 0-20 win in Wednesday night's semi-final.

Diarmaid Ó Dúlaing hit the ground running for the Dubs when he burst the net with mere seconds on the clock before going on to score 1-6. David Purcell bagged a brace while substitute Conor Newton came off the bench to raise a green flag.

It was a complete performance from our U20s and shows how they've progressed in this championship after being beaten by 16 points in the group stage of the competition.

Speaking to Dubs TV after last night's win, manager Shane O'Brien echoed the above statement before highlighting the importance of confidence and belief in our U20 team.

"It really was an outstanding performance. We knew that it was in this group and I'm just so thrilled for them that they did perform on this stage here this evening.

"Ultimately, it's about having that belief. And I think, within this group, we've been trying to instil that confidence and that belief in them because we, as a management team, can see what they're capable of doing. And, we're just delighted with that, with the fact that they actually performed so well tonight.

Reflecting on the effort and hard work of his players O'Brien added. "The extraordinary thing is you could be actually singling out 20 fellas here this evening. That's the level of performance that they produced. From Kevin and Goal right all the way up to Conor, who came on. And I think the impact of our subs again, a massive bonus for us to have such strength and depth.

With attention and focus now on next Wednesday's Leinster final, O'Brien mentioned the importance of enjoying the moment before preparing for the final. "There's a lot of tough days in life and I think it is important that they do enjoy this evening and tomorrow and embrace the praise and the credit that they get because they deserve it. So I think it is important that we enjoy it. But obviously, there's nothing won. There's no silverware here tonight and we will be very much focused on the Leinster final in seven days time."