Lane wary of Oak Leaf threat

DUBLIN are firm favourites to beat Derry in tonight’s Erin All-Ireland U-21 HC semi-final in Newry (6pm) and reach their first national decider since 1983.

Coach Sean Lane has left no stone unturned in his preparations with the side playing 17 competitive and challenge games this season.

And the manager is confident his side can bridge that 24 year gap.

But Lane warned: “I saw the Ulster final and was hugely impressed by Derry. While they had only a point to spare at the finish they should have won the game far more convincingly. They spurned at least two clear cut goal chances and would not have been flattered by a bigger winning margin. They play a hard brand of hurling and while we’ll probably be favourites, I’ve learned over the years to take nothing for granted in a two horse race.

“Our display in the Leinster final against Offaly was excellent but we did everything to throw it away towards the end. You won’t always get away with taking your foot off the pedal.

“There has been a lot of talk about Dublin hurling being on the rise — which it is — but we need to take it on to the next level. We are Leinster minor and U-21 champions. There is a bunch of players from ages 17 to 21 in the county now that are as good as what’s in the rest of the counties.

“But we need to be contesting All-Ireland finals now and winning them.

‘‘Because we’ll be favourites, Dublin are in a no win situation going into this game. If we win by a few scores we’ll be get no credit and if we lose it we’ll never be forgiven.”

Dublin have no injury worries and have named their strongest team which includes Ronan Drumgoole at corner back. He is a grandson of the late Noel who hurled with Dublin in the 1960s; county senior footballer Derek Connolly is leader of the attack which includes Peadar Carton who father Peadar won a Railway Cup medal with Leinster in 1980.

Carton is available for the Dubs after the Central Appeals Committee ruled that the case which led to his eight-week ban should be reheard.

Lack of quality games has hindered Derry’s preparation and will give the Dubs an advantage. It would be a massive boost for the game in the Oak Leaf County if they were to win tonight, but Dublin are making far greater strides and should progress.

* Cork and Galway meet in the second semi-final in Thurles today week.