“There’s 10 or 11 different leaders on this team”- Paddy Smyth

By Conor Martin 

Dublin Senior Hurling captain Paddy Smyth says he’s looking forward to meeting Kilkenny in the Leinster Senior Hurling Final on Saturday evening at Croke Park (6pm). 

In the win last time out against Galway, Dublin had a incredible 14 different names on their scorers-list, with Smyth amongst them. 

And the Clontarf man highlighted that this Dublin team comes together as a collective and stands up when required. 

“14 scores must be up there on the record. It's just the spread of scores definitely helps", said Smyth. 

"I think we've probably been relying on one or two maybe in the past, but especially the impact off the bench as well was huge last day. That's what you want as a team, as a squad. It's not just 15 lads."

"There's 26 and then 36, 37 lads here training every night. It's just about everyone having the confidence of when you get your shot, you can take it"

Smyth and Dublin have the chance to end an 11-year wait for provincial glory and Smyth recalled the memory of seeing Johnny McCaffrey lifting the Bob O’Keeffe Cup on the steps of the Hogan Stand in 2013, adding that the Leinster Championship winning team inspired him to play for Dublin before speaking about how much it means to him to captain this Dublin side. 

“I'm very honoured to be chosen to lead these lads. The amount of work and effort we put in. There's 10 or 11 different leaders on this team, which is great so, a huge honour for myself, my club, and my family.

Dublin’s support for our Senior Hurlers has been immense this season and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Dublin players and management. 

Smyth praised the support he and the Boys in Blue received at home to Kilkenny a few weeks ago and spoke about the effect such support has. 

“The lift that gives all the lads, so we're just asking everyone if they can get out on Saturday. It'd be huge, huge support for us. 

"You always say the 16th man, but it's in those dying moments where you really hear the crowd and you hope to see a blue wall on the hill."