Shane Stapleton and Michael Verney talk through the chances of the Dublin hurlers. Brought to you by OrgaRetro.com — get 15% off all jerseys with promo code ‘OurGame’.
Revenge is a dish best served as soon as possible.
Dublin were knocked out of the All-Ireland championship last summer by a Laois team that made it into the qualifiers as the Joe McDonagh Cup winners.
For a Dubs side that had a good run in the league and made it to the semi-final stage, then backed that up by ending Galway’s summer in a do-or-die Leinster clash, to be knocked out by a side that been operating at a lower tier was hugely disappointing.
What better way for manager Mattie Kenny to rile his men up than to face the O’Moore County men on their first day back in championship action.
Shane Stapleton and Michael Verney talk through Dublin’s chances for the 2020 season, the strengths and weaknesses of their panel, and the players that are key to their success.
The vast majority of the side that won a Leinster title in 2013 has moved on, and returning to a final requires victory over both Laois and Kilkenny — both of whom had Dublin’s number in 2019.
The capital will feel it is not beyond them, and perhaps they are even dreaming of a first All-Ireland final since 1961.
Manager: Mattie Kenny (2nd year)
2019 Summary: Reached NHL semi-final, beaten by Limerick. Qualified as 3rd in Leinster championship, lost to Laois in the preliminary quarter-final.
Ins: Donel Burke
Outs: Darragh O’Connell, Sean Treacy
Championship Odds: Leinster (9/1), A-I (50/1)
Last Leinster Championship title: 2013 (24)
Last All-Ireland title: 1938 (6)
All Stars: Liam Rushe (x 2), Danny Sutcliffe
2020 thus far: Two wins and three losses from their five league games. Beat Laois and Carlow. Lost to Kilkenny, Clare and Wexford.
First game: Leinster quarter-final v Laois
