It will be a massive challenge: Joe Fortune

Dublin U21 hurling manager, Joe Fortune, knows his side will have to produce an A1 display to topple reigning provincial holders Wexford in Wednesday night’s Bord Gáis Energy Leinster U21HC quarter-final at Wexford Park (7.30).

The Slaneysiders are attempting to win a fourth successive Leinster U21HC title in-a-row this year and can count on eight players who started in last year’s All-Ireland final loss to Limerick - Oliver O’Leary, Simon Donohoe, Liam Ryan, Pádraig Foley, James Cash, Conor Devitt, Cathal Dunbar and Conor McDonald while Jake Firman and Sam Kelly were both introduced as substitutes.

“They have a very good manager and quite a large number of players that got to an All-Ireland last year,” says Joe Fortune.

“When you throw in the likes of Conor McDonald and Liam Ryan, two of the finest young hurlers in the country with loads of experience, you appreciate how tough our challenge will be.

“Wexford Park can be a cauldron and I expect it to be the same on Wednesday evening and naturally we recognise that it’s a massive challenge for the team.

“However, the lads are in good form and very confident going into the game.

“We cannot wait to get going to be honest and producing a good enough performance that will hopefully lead to a positive result.”