Dublin boss Daly ‘very hopeful’ of luring Keaney to hurling panel

DUBLIN senior hurling manager Anthony Daly is “very hopeful” that dual star Conal Keaney will be part of his plans for the 2010 season.

Daly is conscious of not interfering with Keaney’s club commitments but was hugely impressed by his display for Ballyboden St Enda’s in last Sunday’s AIB Leinster club hurling semi-final against Ballyhale Shamrocks. Keaney will line out for his club in the provincial club football semi-final against Westmeath kingpins Garrycastle next Sunday as his hectic recent schedule shows no signs of abating.

Keaney, an All Star hurling nominee in 2003, has concentrated solely on football since 2005 but remains firmly on Daly’s radar as the former Clare captain looks to build on an impressive first season at the helm. Daly has already been boosted by Shane Ryan’s decision to throw in his lot with the hurlers after deciding to play football only for Dublin since 2004.

Daly said: “In fairness to Conal, he was outstanding again last Sunday and I watched the game against Ballyhale.

“We’d love to have him but I wouldn’t be one for putting pressure on the chap. Ballyboden are playing Garrycastle in the football next Sunday and I wish Conal the best. But we’re still very hopeful and would love him to at least combine both next year.”

Daly added: “We’re looking at getting our best 15 on the field for Dublin and Conal would be part of that 15. It’s a bit unusual for people to try dual players these days but Conal might have a chance. I don’t know if it’s possible but we’d love if he tried it.”