Our toughest challenge was in Dublin: Paul Schutte

Cuala and Dublin defender Paul Schutte has sounded a ringing endorsement of the club game in the capital in the aftermath of the Dalkey side's emphatic AIB All-Ireland club SHC final victory over Clare's Ballyea on St Patrick's Day.

“We won an All-Ireland and our toughest challenge was in Dublin,” says Paul.

“We drew with (Kilmacud) Crokes. We drew with Ballyboden – beat them in extra-time. They were our two toughest games all year.

“So I’d be confident about where Dublin hurling is headed.”

Paul's defensive club-mate and one of Cuala's 'unsung heroes' throughout their successful campaign, John Sheanon, has lauded his team-mates.

John was giving the man-marking duties on the highly talented Tony Kelly and did a brilliant job.

“The lads will laugh, I wouldn’t be the most skilful hurler myself,” says John.

“And I’d be the first to hold my hand up, but I’ve been asked to do that job since the first game, since we played Crokes in Dublin.

“I’ve no problem doing it, I probably wouldn’t get into the team if I didn’t do that man-marking job.

“It’s an incredible team and to be honest, when I was told I was marking Chrissy McKaigue the last day or Tony Kelly - I have belief in myself.

“He’s an incredible hurler, but I got a bit of luck - he hit the post with his first ball, and he could have scored with his second chance.

“I got lucky but I’m delighted. I was just delighted to get into the team.”