O’Callaghan relishes test of Dublin’s progress in Thurles

Getting themselves back on track was the main challenge facing the Dublin hurlers after their relegation from the top tier in the Allianz Hurling League last year.

“The objective this year was to get promotion and bounce back straight away,” said inside-forward David ‘Dotsy’ O’Callaghan in Semple Stadium yesterday; “We’re just delighted to have achieved that so far. It’s a great opportunity now to go down to Thurles on Sunday and take on Tipperary, who are in great form, a test to see exactly where we’re at.”

Dublin recently defeated Limerick in the Division 1B promotion final and the game against Tipperary, a league semi-final, is added reward for that win. It gives Dublin an early opportunity to regain the title they so spectacularly won in 2011 when they defeated Kilkenny in the final (0-22 to 1-7), then equally spectacularly lost last year, the first side to be relegated as reigning league champions.