We cannot afford a slow start: U21 manager Joe Fortune

Dublin under-21 hurlers are hoping to 'hit the ground running' in this Saturday's All-Ireland U21HC semi-final against Galway in Semple Stadium, Thurles (6.0).

“I think it goes without saying that we cannot afford another slow start like we have had at stages this year," says Dubs boss Joe Fortune.

“I think that we started reasonably well against Wexford and that it was probably our shot selection that let us down in that case.

“However, we were slow to get going in our other two games and we have sat down and spoken to the lads about the need to start on the front foot.

“From my perspective, it has definitely been a problem this year and while it has been very encouraging in the manner in which the players have regrouped during matches and finished strongly, it’s not something that we’d like to see repeated at the weekend.

“We need to show a greater consistency throughout the game as anything other than that simply won’t suffice the further you advance in this championship.

“I’m confident that we have taken the right steps in sorting this out and that we will start brightly on Saturday,” adds Joe.

The Dubs boss knows that his men will have to produce their best to beat Galway.

“Galway are a very decent team that are backboned by three or four of their senior panel and they are a typical Galway team in that they are physical but are also blessed with high-scoring forwards.

“They won the All-Ireland minor title last year which shows the talent that they possess.

“We have seen them on a number of occasions and have been impressed with them but our focus in ourselves and getting our performance right on the night.

“To be honest, we can’t wait for the game."