Dubs won’t settle for second best

ONE of the unfortunate side effects from Sunday’s dismal Leinster hurling final was that it overshadowed Dublin’s defeat of Kilkenny in the minor final.

It was an uplifting result and, indeed, performance. Joe Fortune’s team had seven points to spare on their more illustrious opponents and only a late Kilkenny goal prevented a loss by double scores.

“To be honest, we didn’t even perform that well in the first half,” said selector Eimear Dignam yesterday. “We told the lads at half-time that they would have to pick it up or they would lose.”

Dublin won this same title two years ago but saw their story end with defeat to Limerick in the All-Ireland semi-final and Dignam says this team is determined to take at least one step further.

“We went down to the DJ Carey School of Hurling when the lads were still U-14 and we told them then our aim was a Leinster minor title. Their response was that they were aiming for an All-Ireland.

“They are an extremely mature and focused bunch for 17-year olds. Cork will be favourites to win the All-Ireland but we will be giving it our best shot.”

It has been an uplifting few years for hurling in the capital with the GAA’s considerable financial investment paying off at levels from U-14 up to U-21 and senior.

The general perception in the county is that the next few teams to reach minor grade will be every bit as good as this year’s.

“These lads have never feared Kilkenny or anyone else,” said Dignam, from the St Vincent’s club.

“People have been asking us were we surprised by how well we beat Kilkenny and we have to be honest and say no. The lads weren’t nervous the night before and weren’t nervous on Sunday.”

Manager Joe Fortune, who postponed his wedding until October with the All-Ireland final in mind, said afterwards: “It’s great winning Leinster in the minor grade. That’s fantastic but we have to get four or five off this team and onto the senior team so that we can start to compete with the guys like the Corks, Tipps and Waterfords.”