‘Third string’ showing challenges Ciarán Kilkenny’s top 15 Dubs

If the progress made by Dublin’s ‘third string’ and their run to the O’Byrne Cup final was not enough to strike a note of anxiety in the minds of their rivals, Ciarán Kilkenny’s latest report on the capital’s first-choice selection will hardly be music to the ears of pretenders to the All-Ireland champions’ throne.

Having recently returned from Dublin’s team holiday in Jamaica, Kilkenny appeared refreshed at the launch of eir Sport’s Allianz League coverage yesterday — held to announce the broadcaster’s match schedule along with the news that they will become the first Irish broadcaster to show three live GAA games simultaneously across its channels next weekend.

Dublin will not be in action until the following day, Sunday week, when they visit Cavan, but their Castleknock playmaker has insisted a reportedly well-rested and hungry panel are raring to go ahead of the defence of their league and All-Ireland titles.