Rushe’s search for redemption

An annus horribilis, year of horrors, that was 2012 for Liam Rushe and his Dublin hurling team-mates.

Having won the Allianz Hurling League in 2011, a first national title since 1939, Dublin then went on to set a very unwelcome record this year, the first team to be relegated the year after being crowned champions.

The championship offered redemption and there were many who thought that Dublin in fact were simply playing possum, lying in wait for Kilkenny in the Leinster semi-final, ready for the big push towards ultimate honours this year. A convincing win over Wexford in the opening round added to that impression but then came that semi-final — ouch!