Minor hurling selection fall to Laois in Leinster MHL

Tue, 8th March 2016

Dublin's minor hurlers were defeated by Laois, 1-16 to 0-8, in their opening Leinster MHL encounter on Saturday in Ballyfin.

The Dubs fielded primarily an U17 selection with the frontliners playing Tipp in a challenge game.

"We had a slow start," says Dublin manager Johnny McGuirk. "However, I was happy with how they played their way into the game and it is vital for the players' development that they get exposed to a higher standard of hurling so we can assess their merits ahead of the championship.

"Laois had a couple of very strong fellas that took the game to us but we can be pleased with some performances on the day and we will have another look at the players next week when we play Kerry.

"I don't think we can be too disappointed with the result as we had a lot of first year minors involved on the day.”

Dublin face Kerry in their second (and final group) game this Saturday.

There are Cup and Shield semi-finals in the Leinster MHL with the top county in each group progressing to the Cup last-four and second placed team entering the Shield semi-finals.