Keaney shock for Dublin hurling fans

Conal Keaney has shocked Dublin hurling fans by announcing that he is to concentrate solely on football this year.

The dual star informed hurling boss Humphrey Kelleher of his decision at the weekend.

The Ballyboden St Enda's clubman missed Sunday's Blue Stars challenge after coming down with flu.

Keaney joins Dublin attacker David O'Callaghan, leaving Shane Ryan and David Henry in opting out of the hurling panel.

However, Kelleher insisted the hurlers could cope.

He said: "Conal has taken the decision and it's a decision I have to respect. We've still got plenty of talented players."

"The dual player debate has been going on for several years now. It works in some counties and it doesn't in others, so we must accept this and get on with our training."