Thu, 27th February 2025
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County News
County News
By Conor Martin
Picture Courtesy Matthew Burke
Niall Ó Ceallacháin’s Dublin hope to bounce back from their last-gasp defeat to Offaly last weekend, when they take on Waterford this Sunday (throw-in 2pm).
The Boys in Blue had enjoyed a 100% start to the season with wins over Antrim and Westmeath.
Dublin were left frustrated after last weekend’s defeat at Croke Park, however, after making a bright start to the game thanks to the efforts of Dónal and Conor Burke.
As the half progressed, Fergal Whitely, Colin Currie and Diarmaid Ó Dúlaing stuck their names down on the scoresheet with points to give Dublin a half-time lead of four.
Offaly came back at Dublin in the second-half and Dublin were dealt a blow late on, when Conor Burke saw red in the 64th minute.
During the Offaly onslaught, Brian Hayes found the net with a strike in the 70th minute, only for Offaly to finish strongly with three late scores to snatch the game from Dublin’s grasp.
Dublin now must shrug off that defeat and turn their attention to Waterford, which will be a tough task.
Ó Ceallacháin will be without Conor Burke, who will be suspended, but will go into the game confident they can get a result to move them up the table in Division 1B.
Just like Dublin, Waterford have two wins and a defeat to their name and currently sit in second ahead of third-placed Dublin, thanks to their slightly better score difference.
They were given an opening day shock during their visit to Carlow, as the hosts won by five but were able to steady the ship going into this Sunday’s game with solid wins over Laois and Antrim.
The Déise dominated their clash with Antrim and ran out 18-point winners as they utilised the wind to their advantage; Kevin Mahony and a Stephen Bennett penalty put Waterford in a commanding position.
Padraig Fitzgerald and Jamie Barron also impressed as Waterford saw out the game with no threat of an Antrim comeback as Bennett finished with 1-4.
Waterford now go into this weekend’s game full of confidence and with the attacking prowess of Bennett, Mahony and Dessie Hutchinson plus the backing of a home crowd. This is a must-win for both counties as the race for promotion heats up.
Dublin v Waterford recent Allianz Hurling League meetings:
You can buy tickets for this weekend’s game here.
The game will also be shown live on the TG4 Player & App from 2pm, with deferred coverage on TG4 from 5.35pm.
