Keaney: Last year taught us some lessons

Dublin hurler Conal Keaney is under no illusions as to the size of the task the Dubs face this Saturday evening when they face Wexford in the Leinster SHC semi-final at Wexford Park (7.0).

The Dubs may have captured the Bob O'Keeffe Cup for the first time in over a half century last summer but they had to use up one or two lucky charms to escape from Slaneyside with a draw in last year's championship encounter with Liam Dunne's men.

"Last year's match against Wexford showed the pitfalls that there are and the one big lesson we learned from that is that we can never afford to get ahead of ourselves."

"Our mantra is to take each game as it comes and never to look too far ahead as you're more than likely to come a cropper if your collective focus isn't right", says Conal.

As if Dublin's task is not tricky enough the absence of some experienced hurlers through injury will test the strength in depth and the Ballyboden St Enda's man has paid tribute to some of the emerging talent in Anthony Daly's panel. 

 "I think we have been very lucky with the introduction of the likes of Colm Cronin, Paul Winters and Cian O' Callaghan into our panel as it has added a bit of freshness to our preparations.

"These lads are seriously talented hurlers and the more game-time that they experience, the better it is for the whole panel in that it certainly increases the competition within the squad."

"Despite their age, these lads are very mature and well aware of what is required to succeed at this level and even from my own perspective, it is great to see these lads putting their hands up and looking to get starting places for our championship opener."

* When not hurling part of Conal's work life has him involved with CP Adventure who are running their Adrenaline Wet & Wild camps in July and August for children aged ten or over.

The activities include kayaking, snorkelling, orienteering and rock climbing and further details can be found by visiting www.cpadventure.ie