“The message to the lads is that we’re on an upward trajectory. But we need to keep that going”

By Conor Martin 

Micheál Donoghue insists there has been no change in preparation this week, as Dublin get set for a first Leinster senior hurling final since 2021. 

The Boys in Blue face Kilkenny in the provincial decider on Saturday evening at Croke Park (6pm). 

It's a big game for Dublin hurling, but Donoghue insists they're preparing for it like any other. 

"We haven't changed anything in our preparation for the game", said Micheál. 

"We're just focusing on ourselves & trying to get a big performance."

Reflecting on the Leinster Championship, Donoghue said, “I think for any team to progress through, it's similar to Munster, you have to take it game by game. 

"I know that's the old cliché, but you have to take it game by game and just navigate yourself through those round-robin stages and obviously with the goal of trying to get it out of the group stages.."

Dublin have put in several notable performances and rounded off with an impressive win at Pearse Stadium over Galway, which has increased confidence inside the Dublin panel. 

“With good results, you get confidence, and you could see that surging through the team. And the message to the lads constantly was that we were on an upward trajectory, but we needed to keep that going."

Waiting in the provincial final are Kilkenny, who handed Dublin their one and only defeat in the group stages was against the Cats. 

Kilkenny are renowned for their hurling ability and have been impressive in this Championship, which began with a resounding win over Antrim, while they showed their resilience in their last-gasp win against Dublin when they came to Parnell Park.

Dublin manager Donoghue is full of respect for our fellow Leinstermen but stressed the importance of Dublin focusing on their own game. 

“They're doing really well. Obviously, it was a very tight game here when we played them a few weeks ago, but no two games are the same. And that's been our message. 

"It's just to make sure that we're ready for it. As I said earlier, it's just concentrating on ourselves and making sure we put our best foot forward."

Dublin go in search of their first Leinster Senior Hurling Championship title since 2013 at Croke Park this Saturday.