Fennell dedicates win to friend’s memory

DUBLIN midfielder Eamon Fennell dedicated yesterday’s O’Byrne Cup win over Wexford to a friend, Warren O’Connor, who was stabbed to death over the weekend.

He had played football with Fennell for the O’Toole’s club. “I just want to say that my thoughts are with his family and I hope they all get through it,” said Fennell.

There was some debate as to whether Fennell had actually been eligible to feature for the county team yesterday after a transfer saga involving O’Toole’s and St Vincent’s. Fennell has attempted to leave O’Tooles for three years but has been blocked each time and, under Dublin GAA rules, a player must be available to play for his club in order to be selected for his county. Play he did however and it was an impressive performance for a man who has not played club football for 14 months.

“It’s good to be back. The GAA is my life and for the club to stop me playing is heartbreaking.”