McAvoy keen to keep Dublin on learning curve

AS Dublin hurling has sought to climb up the national ladder, they have looked to outside experts for guidance.

Anthony Daly’s All-Ireland winning credentials with Clare have made him a natural figurehead while Richard Stakelum and Vincent Teehan have brought Tipperary and Offaly influences to the party. At U21 level, that trend has continued. John McAvoy may not be a headline act but the Laois man has quietly worked away in guiding the county to tomorrow’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 hurling final against Galway.

“I’ve been teaching in Dublin for the last ten years and I got involved with the Dublin colleges hurling teams. Vinnie (Teehan) and myself were involved with the 2006 team that won the All-Ireland. With the success of the colleges in 2006 I got involved with the U21 team after that. Ciarán Barr was in charge and then later on there was Richie (Stakelum).