Naughton: Dubs can spring a surprise

THE difference between the haves and have-nots in Dublin GAA is a stark one.

Last Sunday, over 78,000 patrons packed into Croke Park to see the footballers take on Meath in the Leinster SFC quarter-final. This evening, hurling boss Tommy Naughton hopes enough local supporters turn up in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, to help fill it for the Leinster SHC semi-final against Wexford.

A full house in Croker for a football quarter-final, half-full in Nowlan Park (with less than half the Croke Park capacity) for a hurling semi-final – there’s little doubt here which is the poor relation.