Keaney to focus on football

Conal Keaney has confirmed he will concentrate solely on Gaelic football at inter-county level in 2010, ending speculation that the former dual player was about to switch back to hurling.

Dublin hurling manager Anthony Daly was 'very hopeful' that Keaney, a 2003 hurling All-Star nominee, would make a return to the small ball code this year, particularly after Shane Ryan's decision to throw his lot in with the capital's hurlers.

However, the Ballyboden St Enda's forward informed Daly yesterday by telephone that he will continue to be part of the Dublin football panel and concentrate on their Leinster title defence and annexing an elusive All-Ireland crown.

Keaney has been a regular in the Dublin side since making his debut during the 2005 National Football League. He opted out of inter-county hurling that same year.

Last year was a memorable one for the talented attacker who was named the Evening Herald/Dublin Bus Footballer of the Year following his efforts in Ballyboden's double championship success in football and hurling.

Dublin football boss Pat Gilroy has also announced that Kilmacud Crokes defender Paul Griffin has been reappointed as the Dubs captain for 2010.

Gilroy's plans for the upcoming National League have been hit by injuries to a number of key players. Alan Brogan (hand), Barry Cahill (abductor), Tomas Quinn (metatarsal), Darren Magee (knee cartilage), Denis Bastick (ankle) and Pat Burke (shoulder) have all been ruled out of action until at least mid-February.

Gilroy's selected squad for this Sunday's O'Byrne Cup opener against Wexford at Parnell (throw-in 2pm) is a largely inexperienced one, with the likes of Dean Rock, son of Dubs legend Barney Rock, and James Brogan, a cousin of Alan, Bernard and Paul Brogan, set to be given a chance to impress. The team will be announced on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Keaney's Ballyboden colleague Stephen Hiney is to continue as Dublin hurling captain, with Anthony Daly giving him a ringing endorsement.

"Stephen's a good, solid fella and we need to build around him and get more leaders around him. He's a natural leader," said Daly.

"Having been captain of Clare (myself) for a good few years, it's easier when everybody assumes responsibility for themselves. That's important in any team - you need lots of guys rallying around to the cause."

DUBLIN Squad (v Wexford): Stephen Cluxton (Parnells), Craig Reilly (Trinity Gaels), Alan Hubbard (Ballymun Kickhams), Bernard Brogan (St. Oliver Plunkett's/Eoghan Ruadh), Blaine Kelly (St. Mary's, Saggart), Brendan McManamon (St. Jude's), Conor McCormack (St. Mary's, Saggart), Darren Daly (Fingal Ravens), Dean Kelly (Trinity Gaels), Dean Rock (Ballymun Kickhams), Denis Carrigan (St. Mary's, Saggart), Eoghan O'Gara (Templeogue Synge St), Eamon Fennell (O'Toole's), James Brogan (St. Oliver Plunkett's/Eoghan Ruadh), James McCarthy (Ballymun Kickhams), Kevin Bonner (St. Brigid's), Michael Darragh McAuley (Ballyboden St. Enda's), Paul Casey (Lucan Sarsfields), Paul Conlon (St. Vincent’s), Ross McConnell (St. Oliver Plunkett's/Eoghan Ruadh), Seán Murray (St. Brigid's), Shane McGrath (Thomas Davis), Tiernan Diamond (St. Vincent's), Kevin McManamon (St. Jude's).