U20 hurling manager calls on supporters to rally to Dubs call

Wed, 26th June 2019

Dublin U20 manager Paul O'Brien is calling on Dublin supporters to get behind his side for tonight's Bord Gais Energy Leinster U20HC quarter-final against Offaly in Parnell Park (7.30; extra-time, winner on day if necessary).

Offaly have already recorded victories over Westmeath and Carlow while tonight's clash is Dublin's entry into this year's competition.

"There is probably a bit of a feeling out there that Offaly hurling is on a bit of a downer and there has been a fair degree of negativity in the media about their plight but we expect a really difficult match," said Dublin manager Paul O'Brien.

"We have watched both of their games to date and they play a very distinguishable type of hurling that works well for them.

"They are a strong team and it's very important that we find our stride as early as possible and get to the pitch of the game as best we can.

"We are very happy with our preparations and the panel is a happy and competitive one and really that lads are just looking forward to getting out there and doing their best."

Paul is urging Dublin fans to get to Parnell Park tonight and support the team.

"We are confident that we will perform and it would be great if there was a large support in Parnell Park to get behind the team.

"You saw how important it was to have that vocal support for the Dublin seniors against Galway and there's no reason it can't be the same against Offaly."

Dublin's starting team includes two members of the current Dublin senior panel - Lee Gannon and Davy Keogh - and will be captained by Diarmuid O Floinn.

With Galway and Wexford waiting in the semi-finals since the outset Kilkenny defeated Laois (5-21 to 0-10) in the other quarter-final on Monday night and now advance to face Galway, the winner of the Dublin versus Offaly game will play Wexford on Wednesday, July 3 in their semi-final.

DUBLIN (U20HC v Offaly)

1 Conor O'Donoghue Ballyboden St Enda's
2 Andrew Dunphy St Brigid's
3 Tommy Kinanne Naomh Mearnog
4 Jack Fagan Raheny
5 Kevin Burke Na Fianna
6 Lee Gannon Whitehall Colmcille
7 Iain O h Eithir Ballinteer St John's
8 Michael Conroy Cuala
9 David Keogh Thomas Davis
10 Diarmaid O Floinn Cuala
11 Luke McDwyer Ballyboden St Enda's
12 Cian Derwin Craobh Chiarain
13 Billy Ryan Craobh Chiarain
14 Sean Currie Na Fianna
15 Kevin Desmond Ballyboden St Enda's

Subs

16 Eddie Gibbons Kilmacud Crokes
17 Eoin Carney Erin's Isle
18 Ciaran Hogan St Jude's
19 Alex O'Neill Round Tower, Clondalkin
20 Pearse Christie Ballyboden St Enda's
21 Liam Murphy Cuala
22 Matthew Dunne Lucan Sarsfields
23 Ciaran Foley Naomh Olaf
24 James O'Connell St Brigid's