Whelan to stay on another year

CIARÁN WHELAN has given new Dublin manager Pat Gilroy a huge boost by committing himself to the cause for another year.

The long-serving Raheny clubman attended the first meeting between the new manager and the players last week, and has since ended speculation about his future by confirming his intention to play on.

Dublin supporters are hoping that Whelan’s decision will lead to Jason Sherlock also returning in 2009. The sole survivor from Dublin’s 1995 All-Ireland winning side, Sherlock has yet to make his intentions clear for next season, but it is thought he will return to the fold once his club commitments with St. Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh are concluded.