No injury worries for Dublin U21s

Dublin U21 manager Sean Lane has no injury worries to report ahead of Thursday's Erin Leinster U21 hurling final against Kilkenny (throw-in 7.30pm).

Senior forward Keith Dunne is expected to start the repeat of last year's decider, which the Cats won 0-17 to 1-10.

The Erins Isle clubman came off the bench during the semi-final victory over Offaly and showed no signs of the wrist injury that had been troubling him.

The Dubs will be attempting to win the provincial title for the first time since 1972. But Kilkenny, who should include senior players James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, John Tennyson, Donnacha Cody, John Dalton and Michael Fennelly, have been holders of the trophy since 2003.

Dublin have their own stars - Lucan Sarsfields attacker Kevin O'Reilly was a pivotal figure against Offaly, scoring 0-7 (3f) in a man-of-the-match display.

Lane is expected to name his side after training tonight.

Meanwhile, former Dublin senior hurler Stephen Hiney has returned to action with his club Ballyboden St. Enda's.

The 23-year-old had been out of the game for 10 months after being diagnosed with badly damaged retinas in both eyes.

He underwent surgery last October to correct his left eye and also had laser treatment on his right one, before embarking on a working holiday in Australia.

He was told by doctors back then that he only had "a very slim chance" of hurling again, but recent tests have allowed him to resume his club career.

"I was told to do nothing for several months," said Hiney. "No sporting activity at all."

"But then when I came back, I saw the specialist and he said even though there was still some damage, I should be okay if I wore a helmet all the time."

Hiney played for Ballyboden against Lucan Sarsfields in a recent league game, and should see action against Faughs tonight and Lucan again on Saturday.