Dublin GAA Team News/Discussion 2011

dcr22B

I hope the mods don't mind me starting a new thread for this but if the Deise can do it then so can we

Gilroy forced to experiment for O’Byrne opener with Westmeath

http://www.hill16.ie/index.php?/home/comments/gilroy-forced-to-experiment-for-obyrne-opener-against-westmeath/

DUBLIN (SF v Westmeath)
1 Stephen Cluxton (Parnell’s)
2 Nicky Devereux (Ballinteer St John’s)
3 Seán Murray (St Brigid’s)
4 Darragh Nelson (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
5 Paul Casey (Lucan Sarsfields)
6 Gerard Brennan (St Vincent’s)
7 Darren Daly (Fingal Ravens)
8 Colm Murphy (St Jude’s)
9 Kevin Bonner (St Brigid’s)
10 Alan Hubbard (Ballymun Kickhams)
11 Tomás Quinn (St Vincent’s)
12 Dean Kelly (Trinity Gaels)
13 Darragh Stapleton (St Pat’s, Palmerstown)
14 Eoghan O’Gara (Templeogue Synge St)
15 Kevin McManamon (St Jude’s)

In other news, strong rumours going around this morning that Conal Keaney has finally declared his allegiance to the small ball Dubs for 2011!

dcr22B

dcr22B wrote: »

In other news, strong rumours going around this morning that Conal Keaney has finally declared his allegiance to the small ball Dubs for 2011!

This has now been confirmed. Great news for the hurlers and if truth be told, not a massive loss for the footballers.

Gingy

dcr22B wrote: »

This has now been confirmed. Great news for the hurlers and if truth be told, not a massive loss for the footballers.

Brilliant news. He's been a great servant to Dublin GAA over the past few years and will really have a major influence on the hurlers. I don't think even the most ardent football fraternity would begrudge the hurlers this one.

Wingman2010

I see Conal Keaney has decided to commit to inter county hurling for the year. This can only be good for Dublin hurling. But he will be missed by Gilroy; he was a very effective sub last year when introduced. It would be great to see Dublin getting to another Leinster hurling final. It would be well deserved especially with all the hard work that is gone into underage hurling in school's etc.

Clareman

Already being discussed in the Dublin Discussion Thread (thread below this 1 I believe )

An Citeog

Wingman2010 wrote: »

I see Conal Keaney has decided to commit to inter county hurling for the year. This can only be good for Dublin hurling. But he will be missed by Gilroy; he was a very effective sub last year when introduced. It would be great to see Dublin getting to a Leinster final hurling. It would be well deserved especially with all the hard work that is gone into underage hurling in school's etc.

They got lost to Kilkenny in the Leinster final in 2009. Anyway, Keaney committing to the hurlers is a huge positive for Dublin because he's exactly the type of player that Dublin have been crying out for. He's strong, able to win his own ball in the air and on the ground and can take a score off either side. He was superb for Boden in the county championship this year aswell.

dcr22B

Hopefully, Ryan O'Dwyer and himself can strenghten up the HF line which has been our weak link for a few years now.

DH2K9

Yet again we pick a line up full of senior clubs. Have they ever heard of junior and intermediate clubs?

An Citeog

dcr22B wrote: »

Hopefully, Ryan O'Dwyer and himself can strenghten up the HF line which has been our weak link for a few years now.

Yeah, I'd say we'll most likely see O'Dwyer in centre forward and Keaney on the wing for the league. Half forwards that can win their own ball and a 3 man inside forward line that can get goals are what Dublin have been badly missing.

DH2K9 wrote: »

Yet again we pick a line up full of senior clubs. Have they ever heard of junior and intermediate clubs?

Anyone in particular you feel has been left out that isn't either injured or involved with one of the colleges?

dcr22B

DH2K9 wrote: »

Yet again we pick a line up full of senior clubs. Have they ever heard of junior and intermediate clubs?

Don't think they actually held any trials this year either?

dcr22B

An Citeog wrote: »

3 man inside forward line that can get goals are what Dublin have been badly missing.

Dotsy, Rushe and a fully fit Treacy would be something else to watch!

DH2K9

An Citeog wrote: »

Yeah, I'd say we'll most likely see O'Dwyer in centre forward and Keaney on the wing for the league. Half forwards that can win their own ball and a 3 man inside forward line that can get goals are what Dublin have been badly missing.



Anyone in particular you feel has been left out that isn't either injured or involved with one of the colleges?

What dcr22B said. That is what the trials are for to find somebody from the intermediate or junior clubs who might be too loyal to move to a big club and therefore never gets the chance to play for the dubs. As much as I am a fan of Gilroy he comes from Vincents, one of, if not, the biggest club in Dublin. They look down on the small clubs and I suppose the back room team hasn't thought twice about going to any Junior or Intermediate club match.

An Citeog

dcr22B wrote: »

Dotsy, Rushe and a fully fit Treacy would be something else to watch!

Is Treacy still out injured do you know? A forward line of Keaney, O'Dwyer, McCrabbe, Dotsy, Rushe, Treacy wouldn't look too bad.

DH2K9 wrote: »

What dcr22B said. That is what the trials are for to find somebody from the intermediate or junior clubs who might be too loyal to move to a big club and therefore never gets the chance to play for the dubs. As much as I am a fan of Gilroy he comes from Vincents, one of, if not, the biggest club in Dublin. They look down on the small clubs and I suppose the back room team hasn't thought twice about going to any Junior or Intermediate club match.

I agree with you that the focus seems to be put on senior clubs and that there are only a few from intermediate and junior clubs on the panel. I'm just wondering if there are any players in particular that you feel are being overlooked?

adrian522

Apparently...

I think this will be a very welcome boost for Dublin hurling and hopefully they can push on this year and beat the likes of Antrim when it matters most.

Keaney commits to Dublin hurlers

onal Keaney has quit the Dublin football panel in order to concentrate on hurling this year, according to the Herald.

The forward did not attend the Dublin football panel's first training session of the year - a 6.30am run out on Tuesday morning.

The Ballyboden St Enda's clubman is thought to have spoken with hurling manager Anthony Daly and football boss Pat Gilroy prior to making his decision.

He played for the footballers last year but was not a starter in the Dublin forward line after their opening clash with Wexford.

Hurling manager Daly told the Herald that the move was 'great news', adding that he believed Keaney would be 'a huge addition to the squad'.


http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/0106/keaneyc.html

DH2K9

An Citeog wrote: »

Is Treacy still out injured do you know? A forward line of Keaney, O'Dwyer, McCrabbe, Dotsy, Rushe, Treacy wouldn't look too bad.



I agree with you that the focus seems to be put on senior clubs and that there are only a few from intermediate and junior clubs on the panel. I'm just wondering if there are any players in particular that you feel are being overlooked?

No but that is what the Dublin management team should be doing, finding those players. Michael Fitzsimons is the only one off the top of my head who is in the Dublin team while playing for an intermediate team.

An Citeog

DH2K9 wrote: »

No but that is what the Dublin management team should be doing, finding those players. Michael Fitzsimons is the only one off the top of my head who is in the Dublin team while playing for an intermediate team.

Cullen is another. Gerry Seaver is on the panel aswell and I'm not sure if Donnacha Reilly is still there.

Without being able to name specific players from junior and intermediate clubs that deserve a chance, how do you know that there are players out there that are better than those currently on the panel? Also, there are 30 teams competing in the senior championship which is a massive number. There are 32 clubs in the intermediate (14 of which also have senior teams) and 22 in the junior A (16 of which have intermediate and/or senior teams). There might be one or two players out there that could fight for a place on the panel that have been overlooked but I don't think there's anybody that could come in and improve the first 15 and holding trials a month into the off season when a lot of players let themselves go isn't of much benefit imo.

Wingman2010

There was a player called Warren Mullen involved with the hurlers a few years ago. I could have his first name incorrect. Any games he played in scored 5/6 points a game. I don't think he was on the panel last year. Is this player still involved?

An Citeog

Wingman2010 wrote: »

There was a player called Warren Mullen involved with the hurlers a few years ago. I could have his first name incorrect. Any games he played in scored 5/6 points a game. I don't think he was on the panel last year. Is this player still involved?

Stuart Mullen I'm guessing. He plays with Plunketts and was a decent enough free taker for Dublin (hence the 5/6 points a game!;)). Anyway, he's still playing with Plunketts but hasn't been involved with Dublin for about 2 or 3 years I'd say.

DH2K9

An Citeog wrote: »

Cullen is another. Gerry Seaver is on the panel aswell and I'm not sure if Donnacha Reilly is still there.

Without being able to name specific players from junior and intermediate clubs that deserve a chance, how do you know that there are players out there that are better than those currently on the panel? Also, there are 30 teams competing in the senior championship which is a massive number. There are 32 clubs in the intermediate (14 of which also have senior teams) and 22 in the junior A (16 of which have intermediate and/or senior teams). There might be one or two players out there that could fight for a place on the panel that have been overlooked but I don't think there's anybody that could come in and improve the first 15 and holding trials a month into the off season when a lot of players let themselves go isn't of much benefit imo.

But you can never be sure there is not a player out there who could come in and do a job. You cannot say 100% that there isn't the next big star playing intermediate or junior without a chance to play for the Dubs because because he plays for his local team. To me that is not fair and is just lick arsing the big clubs of Dublin, Crokes, Vincents etc. who from an early age make their kids take football far too seriously.

An Citeog

DH2K9 wrote: »

But you can never be sure there is not a player out there who could come in and do a job. You cannot say 100% that there isn't the next big star playing intermediate or junior without a chance to play for the Dubs because because he plays for his local team. To me that is not fair and is just lick arsing the big clubs of Dublin, Crokes, Vincents etc. who from an early age make their kids take football far too seriously.

I'm not saying there isn't. I'm just replying to your original comment:

DH2K9 wrote:

Yet again we pick a line up full of senior clubs. Have they ever heard of junior and intermediate clubs?

Do you think they should just throw in a couple of token players from junior and inter clubs to appease some quarters or are there players from these clubs that should genuinely feel aggrieved that they're not getting their chance with Dublin?

I think it's more important that lads from smaller clubs are given their chance with the underage development squads and they can try and progress from there.

Het-Field

I have to admit that I am disappointed by Keaney's decision. If he had switched codes this time last year I wouldnt have shed a tear.

Keaney was part of a group of "sacred cows" who could simply do no wrong, and was picked automatically. This is in spite of the fact that he could be erratic in his form, and was anything but a dead cert in front of goal. Last term he was a very useful asset on the bench, and I was hopeful that a year on the bench may have spurred him on to better things.

Call me cynical, but I would like to know what motivated this decision at this point.

An Citeog

Het-Field wrote: »

I have to admit that I am disappointed by Keaney's decision. If he had switched codes this time last year I wouldnt have shed a tear.

Keaney was part of a group of "sacred cows" who could simply do no wrong, and was picked automatically. This is in spite of the fact that he could be erratic in his form, and was anything but a dead cert in front of goal. Last term he was a very useful asset on the bench, and I was hopeful that a year on the bench may have spurred him on to better things.

Call me cynical, but I would like to know what motivated this decision at this point.

Could be any of a number of reasons. The footballers gameplan is going to be pretty much a carbon copy of last year's I'd imagine which leaves Keaney warming the bench again. He could either do that and endure all of the 6.30am training sessions that go along with it or he could join the hurlers and a huge group of his clubmates and bring something to the table that's been badly missing these last couple of years. I'm delighted with his decision because I think he'll add a lot more to the hurlers than the footballers are losing.

I don't get the cynicism either. He's always stated that he wanted to hurl with Dublin again. Afaik and this may not be completely accurate, Giller persuaded him to stick with the footballers last year when he may have been considering switching by telling him that he was an important part of his plans. Seems to me that he's decided that the circumstances are right and he's the right age to have another crack at the hurling and see if he can help Dublin take that extra step.

DH2K9

An Citeog wrote: »

I'm not saying there isn't. I'm just replying to your original comment:



Do you think they should just throw in a couple of token players from junior and inter clubs to appease some quarters or are there players from these clubs that should genuinely feel aggrieved that they're not getting their chance with Dublin?

I think it's more important that lads from smaller clubs are given their chance with the underage development squads and they can try and progress from there.

I doubt many people who are not directly involved know a great deal. But that is the point, we don't know if there are good players out there.

I can guarantee there are players out there who have never been given the chance. Never have been asked to go on fancy development squads.

The thing is these players with serious potential at small clubs are not been given the opportunity on these development squads. All these U14 upwards development squads are made up of players from the biggest clubs in the particular area (north,south etc.). This is mainly because the managers of these development squad are from a particular club and know the club players and maybe their rivals but that is it. They have never played the teams struggling on the bottom of the food chain therefore they don't ask them for players.

I can tell you from personal experience that there are many top quality footballers who are playing at small clubs in low divisions at underage, minor etc. I don't believe that the top 50 or so footballers in the county all hail from the senior clubs, to me that is crap and by the way most of those footballers are taken from small clubs at an early age.

The standard between a junior team and a senior team is huge but the standard between a junior club's best player and a senior club's best player is not as big as you might think.

Great fan of Gilroy and the way he has gone about his job has been terrific but for me he has to get himself and his background staff to go and see random games in the junior championship and lower leagues. He may be pleasantly surprised as to what he finds.

blackbelt

DH2K9 wrote: »

I doubt many people who are not directly involved know a great deal. But that is the point, we don't know if there are good players out there.

I can guarantee there are players out there who have never been given the chance. Never have been asked to go on fancy development squads.

The thing is these players with serious potential at small clubs are not been given the opportunity on these development squads. All these U14 upwards development squads are made up of players from the biggest clubs in the particular area (north,south etc.). This is mainly because the managers of these development squad are from a particular club and know the club players and maybe their rivals but that is it. They have never played the teams struggling on the bottom of the food chain therefore they don't ask them for players.

I can tell you from personal experience that there are many top quality footballers who are playing at small clubs in low divisions at underage, minor etc. I don't believe that the top 50 or so footballers in the county all hail from the senior clubs, to me that is crap and by the way most of those footballers are taken from small clubs at an early age.

The standard between a junior team and a senior team is huge but the standard between a junior club's best player and a senior club's best player is not as big as you might think.

Great fan of Gilroy and the way he has gone about his job has been terrific but for me he has to get himself and his background staff to go and see random games in the junior championship and lower leagues. He may be pleasantly surprised as to what he finds.

Your point may hold some substance but I believe AFL1 to AFL6 should be the cap on players playing for Dublin.Even AFL6 might be pushing it.

There are smaller clubs who are holding their own in the top leagues.Clubs like Trinity Gaels,St Pats,St Marys,Round Towers etc.

The likes of Raheny,Clontarf and Scoil Ui Chonaill have plenty of players on the minor squad and quite possibly may make the breakthrough into senior even though they don't have senior teams in AFL1-3.

Gilroy did have a tournament searching for players that may stand out.Obviously the management have made their decisions.I think we are closer to an All Ireland than previous years if we can at least keep those performances up.

If O Gara can take more points and Bernard keeps form,we will do well.

Frank Spencer

blackbelt wrote: »

The likes of Raheny,Clontarf and Scoil Ui Chonaill have plenty of players on the minor squad and quite possibly may make the breakthrough into senior even though they don't have senior teams in AFL1-3.

You are mistaken on these two. Raheny have a team in AFL 1 and Clontarf currently play in AFL 3.

dcr22B

Frank Spencer wrote: »

You are mistaken on these two. Raheny have a team in AFL 1 and Clontarf currently play in AFL 3.

Unfortunately, Raheny are now AFL2.

Gingy

O'Byrne Cup v Westmeath this Sunday in Mullingar, it's been changed from Cusack Park to St.Loman's Park. With loads of injuries and the Crokes lads missing, it's largely an experimental team;

Full back line were all members of last years U21 team, good to see other lads getting a try who wouldn't usually go. Any thoughts on the team?

1 Stephen Cluxton (Parnell’s)
2 Nicky Devereux (Ballinteer St John’s)
3 Seán Murray (St Brigid’s)
4 Darragh Nelson (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
5 Paul Casey (Lucan Sarsfields)
6 Gerard Brennan (St Vincent’s)
7 Darren Daly (Fingal Ravens)
8 Colm Murphy (St Jude’s)
9 Kevin Bonner (St Brigid’s)
10 Alan Hubbard (Ballymun Kickhams)
11 Tomás Quinn (St Vincent’s)
12 Dean Kelly (Trinity Gaels)
13 Darragh Stapleton (St Pat’s, Palmerstown)
14 Eoghan O’Gara (Templeogue Synge St)
15 Kevin McManamon (St Jude’s)

Dublinproud

Gingy wrote: »

O'Byrne Cup v Westmeath this Sunday in Mullingar, it's been changed from Cusack Park to St.Loman's Park. With loads of injuries and the Crokes lads missing, it's largely an experimental team;

Full back line were all members of last years U21 team, good to see other lads getting a try who wouldn't usually go. Any thoughts on the team?

1 Stephen Cluxton (Parnell’s)
2 Nicky Devereux (Ballinteer St John’s)
3 Seán Murray (St Brigid’s)
4 Darragh Nelson (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
5 Paul Casey (Lucan Sarsfields)
6 Gerard Brennan (St Vincent’s)
7 Darren Daly (Fingal Ravens)
8 Colm Murphy (St Jude’s)
9 Kevin Bonner (St Brigid’s)
10 Alan Hubbard (Ballymun Kickhams)
11 Tomás Quinn (St Vincent’s)
12 Dean Kelly (Trinity Gaels)
13 Darragh Stapleton (St Pat’s, Palmerstown)
14 Eoghan O’Gara (Templeogue Synge St)
15 Kevin McManamon (St Jude’s)

Bonner and Casey should not still be on the panel because they have nothing to offer.

Very limited footballers and should have been dropped 2-3 years ago for fresh blood.

yahoo_moe

Het-Field wrote: »

I have to admit that I am disappointed by Keaney's decision ... Call me cynical, but I would like to know what motivated this decision at this point.

Not being used much by the footballers last year? Wanting a crack at the hurling before he's no longer at intercounty standard? Seems straightforward to me, I don't really see a 'cynical' angle there.

As a hurling fan first and foremost, I'm delighted with the decision. I hoped he'd switch last year and give the team a lift after the Limerick loss but as it is, his presence this year could lift them after the Antrim mess (and fitful league performances). I fully accept that he mightn't have switched if he was still first choice with the footballers but he won't be disruptive so it's a win-win for the hurling panel really. Even if he doesn't add anything, they're no worse off, though I think he'll do well.

yahoo_moe

Dublinproud wrote: »

Bonner and Casey should not still be on the panel because they have nothing to offer.

I've never been a fan of Kevin Bonner playing for Dublin... but his club performances have been consistently excellent. It's a tricky one but he probably merits a panel place. They have to try to harness his club form for the county and they can only do that by having him within the fold.

blackbelt

yahoo_moe wrote: »

I've never been a fan of Kevin Bonner playing for Dublin... but his club performances have been consistently excellent. It's a tricky one but he probably merits a panel place. They have to try to harness his club form for the county and they can only do that by having him within the fold.

I agree.I've always felt Bonner contributed nothing when it came to important matches but his club form speaks for itself.He was excellent in this years Dublin SFC.

I firmly believe that he will not line out in midfield tomorrow.I would say he will be part of the defensive grid that Dublin have employed this last year dropping to the half back line if Dublin go conventional,he will more than likely be around the half forward line.

An Citeog

blackbelt wrote: »

I agree.I've always felt Bonner contributed nothing when it came to important matches but his club form speaks for itself.He was excellent in this years Dublin SFC.

I firmly believe that he will not line out in midfield tomorrow.I would say he will be part of the defensive grid that Dublin have employed this last year dropping to the half back line if Dublin go conventional,he will more than likely be around the half forward line.

That team seems a lot more conventional to me. The only forward there that would've fit the mould of Dublin's half forward line last year is Hubby. I think Bonner's being played at midfield more out of necessity than anything else with the amount of lads unavailable or injured. Imo, Hubby will play as a link man as such and the other 5 will just play man for man and look to get scores.

GAAman

I posted this in the o'byrne thread but im gonna put it here so more people see it

www.midlands103.com is broadcasting the match live apparently (read it on the hill)

Bluetonic

GAAman wrote: »

I posted this in the o'byrne thread but im gonna put it here so more people see it

www.midlands103.com is broadcasting the match live apparently (read it on the hill)

Indeed, here's the direct link

http://tx.sharp-stream.com/tune.php?c=midlands103&.wvx

Bluetonic

FT 1-7 0-11 to WM.

Pierce_1991

Bluetonic wrote: »

FT 1-7 0-11 to WM.

Think it was 1-8 to 0-12 according to the Herald. Not that it makes much difference

They're playing Wexford on Sunday in Parnell Park, anyone know how much they'd be charging into this one?

Mullet

2pm throw in and €10 admission

Pierce_1991

Mullet wrote: »

2pm throw in and €10 admission

If I flash the student card would it be cheaper do ye know?

mick867

Whats the best way to get to Parnell Park from the City Centre?

Sorry if this has been asked before.

Pierce_1991

mick867 wrote: »

Whats the best way to get to Parnell Park from the City Centre?

Sorry if this has been asked before.

Are you driving or do you mean public transport?

blackbelt

mick867 wrote: »

Whats the best way to get to Parnell Park from the City Centre?

Sorry if this has been asked before.

Get the 27,27b,42,42a/b,43,20b,128 from the bus stop opposite Connolly Station.

42a turns right at Donnycarney Church and leaves you that bit closer to the entrance while the other buses you'd have to get off opposite Donnycarney Church on the Malahide Road.

An Citeog

Pierce_1991 wrote: »

If I flash the student card would it be cheaper do ye know?

Yeah, should be €5 for students.

blackbelt wrote: »

Get the 27,27b,42,42a/b,43,20b,128 from the bus stop opposite Connolly Station.

42a turns right at Donnycarney Church and leaves you that bit closer to the entrance while the other buses you'd have to get off opposite Donnycarney Church on the Malahide Road.

That bit closer is a 1 minute walk instead of 2 minutes!:p

Paddyontherun

blackbelt wrote: »

Get the 27,27b,42,42a/b,43,20b,128 from the bus stop opposite Connolly Station.

42a turns right at Donnycarney Church and leaves you that bit closer to the entrance while the other buses you'd have to get off opposite Donnycarney Church on the Malahide Road.

Alternatively get the DART to Killester. Its about a 10 minute walk. I do it regularly.

mick867

Thanks very much.

blackbelt

An Citeog wrote: »

That bit closer is a 1 minute walk instead of 2 minutes!:p

Ah yeah as they say "every little helps".:D

Pierce_1991

6-10 to 1-08, easy enough it seems, Wexford were hammered last week as well if I remember correctly.

Trampas

Why are the leagues games been played in Croke Park?

What is wrong with Parnell Park?

Pierce_1991

Trampas wrote: »

Why are the leagues games been played in Croke Park?

What is wrong with Parnell Park?

$$$$

penexpers

http://www.hill16.ie/index.php?/home/comments/dublins-exciting-spring-series-announced/

Gael85

Connolly gets the nod to face Offaly - ** Throw-in at 2.30pm **

21 Jan 2011 | hill16.ie

FAST FORWARD: Diarmuid Connolly 'steps on the gas' to round Kilmacud Crokes' Rory O'Carroll.
The Dublin vs Offaly O’Byrne Shield game has been moved to 2.30pm this Saturday due to fears of a frozen pitch at the planned 7pm throw-in time.
Diarmuid Connolly comes into the Dublin football team for Saturday night’s O’Byrne Shield semi-final against Offaly in Parnell Park (2.30).
The St Vincent’s man comes into the half-forward line, taking over from his club-mate Pádraig Lee who lined out there in last weekend’s facile victory over Wexford (6-10 to 1-8).
Connolly lined out with DIT in the O’Byrne Cup but is eligible as the Cup and Shield are considered separate competitions. Likewise Paddy Andrews, who played for DCU in the O’Byrne Cup, is named among the Dublin subs.
Connolly has been in good early season form for DIT, leading their scoring in their victory over Wexford and loss to Westmeath in the O’Byrne Cup. In 2010 he was named on both the Evening Herald/Dublin Bus Dubs Stars football and hurling teams.
The Dubs bench also includes Paul Flynn who has been sidelined with injury until now.
DUBLIN (SF v Offaly): Stephen Cluxton; Darren Daly, Seán Murray, Alan Hubbard; Declan Lally, Paul Casey, Conor McKiernan; Denis Bastick, Colm Murphy; Diarmuid Connolly, Kevin Bonner, Dean Kelly; Kevin McManamon, Graham Cullen, Tomás Quinn. Subs: Ryan O’Flaherty, Ger Brennan, Willie Lowry, Barry Cahill, Bryan Cullen, Paul Flynn, Eoghan O’Gara, Bernard Brogan, Adrian Darcy, Paddy Andrews, Darragh Stapleton

DH2K9

Gael85 wrote: »

Connolly gets the nod to face Offaly - ** Throw-in at 2.30pm **

21 Jan 2011 | hill16.ie

FAST FORWARD: Diarmuid Connolly 'steps on the gas' to round Kilmacud Crokes' Rory O'Carroll.
The Dublin vs Offaly O’Byrne Shield game has been moved to 2.30pm this Saturday due to fears of a frozen pitch at the planned 7pm throw-in time.
Diarmuid Connolly comes into the Dublin football team for Saturday night’s O’Byrne Shield semi-final against Offaly in Parnell Park (2.30).
The St Vincent’s man comes into the half-forward line, taking over from his club-mate Pádraig Lee who lined out there in last weekend’s facile victory over Wexford (6-10 to 1-8).
Connolly lined out with DIT in the O’Byrne Cup but is eligible as the Cup and Shield are considered separate competitions. Likewise Paddy Andrews, who played for DCU in the O’Byrne Cup, is named among the Dublin subs.
Connolly has been in good early season form for DIT, leading their scoring in their victory over Wexford and loss to Westmeath in the O’Byrne Cup. In 2010 he was named on both the Evening Herald/Dublin Bus Dubs Stars football and hurling teams.
The Dubs bench also includes Paul Flynn who has been sidelined with injury until now.
DUBLIN (SF v Offaly): Stephen Cluxton; Darren Daly, Seán Murray, Alan Hubbard; Declan Lally, Paul Casey, Conor McKiernan; Denis Bastick, Colm Murphy; Diarmuid Connolly, Kevin Bonner, Dean Kelly; Kevin McManamon, Graham Cullen, Tomás Quinn. Subs: Ryan O’Flaherty, Ger Brennan, Willie Lowry, Barry Cahill, Bryan Cullen, Paul Flynn, Eoghan O’Gara, Bernard Brogan, Adrian Darcy, Paddy Andrews, Darragh Stapleton

Never rated Connolly as a inter-county player.