Griffin to captain Dubs in championship

Kilmacud Crokes defender Paul Griffin has been named as the captain of the Dublin senior footballers for the 2009 championship campaign.

Griffin was an integral part of the Stillorgan outfit's march last month to their first All-Ireland club success since 1995.

The 25-year-old was one of six players to captain Dublin during the National League, having guided his side to victory over Westmeath in their final round game at Parnell Park.

While David Henry, Conal Keaney, Ciaran Whelan, Bryan Cullen and Stephen Cluxton also captained Dublin during the league, St Brigid's player Barry Cahill has been named as vice-captain.

Both Griffin and Cahill are experienced members of the Dublin squad, having won five Leinster titles each and their manager Pat Gilroy says their leadership qualities made them a good choice for their respective roles.

“Both players have huge respect within the squad and it was apparent to the management team that Paul and Barry were natural leaders within the group," Gilroy said.

"Throughout their careers, they have been exemplary players for Dublin, constantly raising the bar for the team and I have no doubt that they will continue to drive forward in that regard,"

Gilroy has also expressed his disappointment at the forced retirement of forward Colin Moran due to a hip injury.

He heaped praise on the 28-year-old Ballyboden St. Enda's clubman for his contribution to Dublin football.

“Collie was a great ambassador of all that is good in the GAA. He was always willing to put the team first and always did whatever was requested of him.

"I have only got to know Collie really well in the last six months but it was clear that he’s one of those guys who everyone listened to and respected.

"It is no accident that he was captain of the team for a number of years. Since he started playing football for Dublin in 1998, he was always one of the players that you looked to in times of trouble.”

He added: "It is terrible that a young man of 28 has to retire from injury although I’m sure that Collie will look back on his career with huge pride.

"Anyone involved with Dublin over the years and all our supporters owe a huge debt to Collie and his family for the tremendous service he gave to the county on and off the pitch.”

Dublin's 39-man training panel will take a break from training at the end of this week to allow players concentrate on club Championship action.

Six players are still recovering from various injuries with Bernard Brogan making most progress and he is likely to feature next week for his club St Oliver Plunkett's/Eoghan Ruadh.

Diarmuid Connolly and Mark Vaughan are recovering from shoulder and back injuries respectively. Eamon Fennell is also recovering well from a recent appendix operation, having featured in a challenge game against Louth last week.

Conal Keaney is recovering from a virus while a long-term injury for U21 player Kevin Nolan will be examined over the coming weeks with a view to getting him fully fit.

DUBLIN TRAINING PANEL: Alan Brogan, Alan Hubbard, Barry Cahill, Bernard Brogan, Blaine Kelly, Bryan Cullen, Cian O'Sullivan, Ciarán Whelan, Colin Daly, Conal Keaney, Darren Magee, David Henry, Declan Lally, Denis Bastick, Derek Murray, Diarmuid Connolly, Eamonn Fennell, Ger Brennan, James Brogan, Jason Sherlock, Kevin Bonner, Kevin Nolan, Liam Óg Ó hEinachain, Mark Davoren, Mark Vaughan, Michael Savage, Paddy Andrews, Pat Burke, Paul Casey, Paul Conlon, Paul Flynn, Paul Griffin, Rory O'Carroll, Ross McConnell, Shane Ryan, Stephen Cluxton, Stephen O’Shaughnessy, Tiernan Diamond, Tomás Quinn